Teach Apnea and Learning

This month, we’re spotlighting “Tech Apnea,” a common response to screen time where around 80% of us unknowingly hold our breath or breathe shallowly while online. This shallow breathing can reduce focus, stress management, and emotional control—all crucial for learning.

Studies show that prolonged shallow breathing and screen time can thin gray matter in the brain, which is vital for functions like decision-making, memory, and impulse control. In both students and adults, gray matter thinning has been linked to:

• Reduced Attention and Focus: Lower attention spans, making it harder to concentrate on tasks.
• Emotional Challenges: Increased stress and difficulty managing emotions.
• Memory and Social Cognition Impacts: Problems with recalling information and understanding social cues.

The good news? Simple practices like deep, belly breathing help restore gray matter and improve focus and calmness. Let’s help our community build better breathing habits and support healthy learning!