Slow breathing can influence brain activity and decision behavior

MedicalXpress | Jun 15, 2026

A new study from the German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam–Rehbruecke (DIfE) and Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin shows for the first time that targeted control of human breathing rhythm can influence decision behavior by modulating heart and brain function. The research team led by Prof. Soyoung Q. Park was able to demonstrate that prolonged exhalation increases heart rate variability and the brain's reward sensitivity, thus enabling us to make bolder decisions. The study was published in the journal Neuron.