Breathing and ADHD: A Potential Connection

Introduction: Framing the Issue

Hook:
Seven-year-old Aarav’s classroom days were a blur of interruptions. His teacher described him as “constantly restless, unable to focus, and quick to anger.” At home, Aarav’s parents struggled with his bedtime meltdowns and frequent midnight awakenings. Diagnosed with ADHD, his family began to prepare for a long road of medication and therapy. But before they embarked on that path, a routine visit to a pediatrician revealed something unexpected: Aarav’s persistent mouth breathing and loud snoring were signs of a sleep disorder. After undergoing treatment to improve his breathing, Aarav’s focus, behavior, and mood transformed dramatically.

This story mirrors the struggles of millions. ADHD, a condition affecting approximately 5–7% of children globally, not only disrupts the lives of children but also deeply impacts families, schools, and communities. For many parents, the diagnosis feels like a life sentence of managing medication and behavioral interventions with varying degrees of success.

Context:
In the quest to understand ADHD, researchers are increasingly uncovering links to factors beyond genetics and environment. One surprising area of exploration is the role of breathing dysfunction—particularly sleep-disordered breathing—in mimicking or exacerbating ADHD symptoms.

James Nestor, a journalist and author of the bestselling book Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art, has brought attention to how modern lifestyles have impaired our ability to breathe correctly, contributing to a host of health issues. Nestor’s work, rooted in extensive research and interviews with leading scientists, has shed light on how something as seemingly mundane as breathing could profoundly affect focus, behavior, and emotional regulation.

Of particular interest is the connection between sleep-disordered breathing—conditions like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS)—and behavioral issues in children. Studies show that children with undiagnosed breathing problems during sleep often exhibit hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and difficulties concentrating—symptoms that closely resemble ADHD.

Thesis Statement:
While ADHD is a complex and multifaceted condition, evidence suggests that breathing dysfunction, particularly during sleep, could be a modifiable factor contributing to ADHD-like symptoms. Addressing these underlying issues not only offers hope for alleviating symptoms but also provides families with non-pharmaceutical interventions to improve their children’s quality of life. By re-examining how we breathe and recognizing its impact on our health, we may uncover simple yet transformative solutions for a condition that affects millions.

Breathing: More Than an Automatic Function

Breathing is often taken for granted, relegated to the realm of automatic bodily functions. However, the way we breathe directly impacts our health, cognition, and even emotional well-being. Modern lifestyles have inadvertently disrupted this foundational process, leading to a range of issues that are only now beginning to be understood.

1. Beyond the Basics

Breathing is not merely about inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide. It is an intricate process that influences:

• Brain Function: Proper breathing regulates oxygen flow to the brain, critical for concentration and emotional balance.
• Nervous System: Deep, controlled breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and enhancing focus.
• Sleep and Recovery: Breathing quality during sleep determines how restorative it is, affecting energy, mood, and cognitive performance the next day.

James Nestor highlights how dysfunctional breathing can disrupt this balance, contributing to health issues such as anxiety, fatigue, and even behavioral problems in children. Suboptimal breathing patterns deprive the brain of oxygen and impair its ability to manage attention and behavior—symptoms that mirror conditions like ADHD.

2. Impact of Modern Lifestyles

The modern lifestyle has altered the natural rhythm of our breath, often in ways that harm us:

• Sedentary Habits: Sitting for prolonged periods compresses the diaphragm, encouraging shallow chest breathing instead of deep diaphragmatic breathing.
• Stress: Chronic stress leads to faster, shallow breathing patterns, keeping the body in a constant state of fight or flight.
• Processed Foods: These require less chewing, which weakens facial muscles and contributes to narrowed airways over time.
• Screen Time: Hours spent hunched over screens not only strain posture but also encourage mouth breathing and reduce lung capacity.

Each of these factors pushes us toward dysfunctional breathing patterns that not only impact physical health but also cognitive and emotional regulation.

3. The Problem with Mouth Breathing

Mouth breathing, though often overlooked, can have far-reaching consequences:

• Sleep Quality: Mouth breathing during sleep increases the likelihood of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, both of which disrupt sleep cycles and lead to chronic fatigue.
• Facial Development: In children, habitual mouth breathing can lead to changes in facial structure, including elongated faces, smaller jaws, and narrowed airways, making proper breathing even more difficult.
• Overall Health: Mouth breathing bypasses the nose’s natural filtration system, exposing the body to allergens and pathogens while reducing oxygen efficiency.

For children, these effects are particularly troubling, as they can exacerbate behavioral and emotional challenges. Addressing mouth breathing early could prevent long-term health and developmental issues.

4. Interactive Experiment

To help readers identify potential breathing dysfunction, try this simple exercise:

1. Find a quiet place and sit comfortably.
2. Close your mouth and breathe through your nose for one minute.
3. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen. Notice which hand moves more.
   • If your chest hand moves more, you’re likely engaging in shallow, inefficient breathing.
   • If your abdomen hand moves more, you’re utilizing diaphragmatic breathing, which is ideal.

Reflection:

• If you felt discomfort or struggled to maintain nasal breathing, it could indicate habitual mouth breathing or shallow patterns that warrant further attention.

This simple activity helps readers connect with their own breathing habits, making the topic relatable and actionable.

By understanding the profound impact of breathing and the ways modern life disrupts it, readers can begin to appreciate the link between dysfunctional breathing and conditions like ADHD. This section lays the groundwork for exploring deeper connections, particularly how addressing these patterns can alleviate ADHD-like symptoms in children.

Facial Structure and Breathing Challenges

Breathing dysfunction isn’t just about habits; it’s deeply intertwined with physical development, particularly the structure of the face and airways. Modern lifestyles and dietary choices have reshaped how we grow and develop, leading to structural challenges that make proper breathing more difficult.

1. Evolutionary Perspective

Over the centuries, the human face has undergone profound changes, many of which are linked to dietary shifts:

• From Hard Foods to Processed Meals:
  Early humans primarily consumed raw, fibrous foods that required extensive chewing. This constant effort helped develop strong jaws, wider faces, and larger airways. In contrast, modern diets, dominated by softer, processed foods, require less chewing. This has resulted in narrower jaws, smaller airways, and crowded teeth—physical changes that can obstruct optimal breathing.
• Skull Comparisons:
  Anthropologists have studied ancient skulls, noting that prehistoric humans had more prominent jaws, straight teeth, and larger nasal cavities compared to modern humans. These features supported efficient nasal breathing, whereas the smaller, more constricted facial structures seen today often lead to mouth breathing and related health issues.

These evolutionary changes underscore how dietary habits can have long-term consequences for breathing, sleep, and overall health.

2. The Role of Chewing

Chewing plays a critical role in facial development, particularly during childhood when bones are still growing and adapting.

• Strengthening Facial Muscles and Airway Development:
  Chewing harder foods stimulates jaw growth and helps maintain a wider palate, which allows for larger airways. Strong facial muscles and properly aligned jaws support effective nasal breathing and reduce the risk of airway obstruction.
• Practical Tips for Parents:
  To encourage better facial development through diet:
  • Introduce foods like carrots, apples, nuts (for older children), and whole-grain bread that require more chewing.
  • Limit over-reliance on soft, pureed, or heavily processed foods, especially during the critical early years of facial growth.
  • Encourage chewing gum (sugar-free) as a fun activity to strengthen jaw muscles.

These small dietary adjustments can have a lasting impact on a child’s breathing and overall health.

3. Breastfeeding and Facial Development

Breastfeeding is more than a source of nutrition; it plays a pivotal role in shaping the face and airway structures.

• Facial and Jaw Development:
  Breastfeeding requires significant effort from the baby, including using the tongue, jaw, and facial muscles to create suction. This natural exercise promotes:
  • Proper alignment of the upper and lower jaws.
  • Development of a wider palate, reducing the likelihood of crowded teeth.
  • Larger and more functional nasal passages, supporting healthy breathing patterns.
• Contrast with Bottle Feeding:
  While bottle feeding is sometimes necessary, it requires less effort from the baby, which can result in underdeveloped facial muscles and a narrower palate. Parents who rely on bottles can mitigate this by using orthodontic or slow-flow nipples that mimic the mechanics of breastfeeding.

By examining the structural challenges tied to modern lifestyles, it becomes clear how crucial early dietary and feeding choices are for breathing health. Addressing these factors—whether by encouraging more chewing, opting for breastfeeding when possible, or understanding the evolutionary perspective—can significantly influence a child’s ability to breathe well and thrive. These insights set the stage for exploring how these structural changes directly link to ADHD-like symptoms through compromised breathing.

Sleep-Disordered Breathing: A Hidden Culprit in ADHD

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is an often-overlooked health issue that can mimic or exacerbate symptoms of ADHD in children. Conditions like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) interfere with the quality of sleep, leading to cognitive, emotional, and behavioral challenges that closely resemble ADHD.

1. Definition and Prevalence

• What is Sleep-Disordered Breathing?
  SDB refers to a range of conditions that disrupt normal breathing patterns during sleep. These include:
  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Repeated episodes where the airway is partially or fully blocked, causing disrupted breathing.
  • Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS): Increased resistance in the airway, leading to frequent micro-arousals during sleep.
• Prevalence in Children:
  Studies estimate that 1 in 10 children experiences some form of sleep-disordered breathing, with many cases going undiagnosed. This prevalence is particularly concerning given the significant overlap between the symptoms of SDB and ADHD.

2. Key Studies

Scientific research provides compelling evidence of the connection between SDB and behavioral issues:

• Large-Scale Studies:
  A landmark study involving 11,000 children found that those with untreated SDB were significantly more likely to exhibit behavioral and emotional challenges, including:
  • Hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
  • Poor focus and attention spans.
  • Increased aggression and irritability.
• Brain Impact:
  Chronic sleep disruption caused by SDB limits the brain’s ability to regulate attention, emotions, and behavior, creating symptoms that are indistinguishable from ADHD in many cases.

These findings suggest that addressing underlying sleep issues could improve outcomes for children who might otherwise be misdiagnosed or medicated unnecessarily.

3. Parental Observations

James Nestor and many healthcare professionals have shared anecdotal evidence from parents who observed dramatic changes in their children after treating SDB:

• Improved Focus and Behavior:
  Parents have reported that children previously diagnosed with ADHD displayed noticeable improvements in mood, focus, and hyperactivity once their breathing problems were resolved.
  For example, one parent described how their child’s nightly snoring was addressed with nasal breathing exercises and minor surgical interventions. Within months, the child’s teachers noted better concentration and reduced impulsivity.
• Reduced Emotional Outbursts:
  Anecdotes frequently highlight how proper sleep restoration through improved breathing reduced temper tantrums and emotional dysregulation in children.

These real-life stories reinforce the importance of recognizing and addressing breathing dysfunction as a potential root cause of ADHD-like symptoms.

4. Signs to Watch For

Parents play a crucial role in identifying early signs of SDB. Here’s a checklist of symptoms to monitor:

• During Sleep:
  • Snoring or noisy breathing.
  • Mouth breathing while asleep.
  • Restless sleep or frequent tossing and turning.
  • Episodes where the child appears to stop breathing temporarily.
• In the Morning:
  • Difficulty waking up, even after a full night’s sleep.
  • Morning headaches or dry mouth.
• Daytime Behavior:
  • Hyperactivity, irritability, or emotional outbursts.
  • Difficulty concentrating or maintaining attention.
  • Frequent fatigue or sleepiness during the day.

If parents observe these symptoms, consulting a pediatrician or a sleep specialist is recommended. Early intervention can make a profound difference in a child’s overall well-being.

By recognizing sleep-disordered breathing as a hidden but significant factor in ADHD-like symptoms, parents, educators, and healthcare providers can focus on root causes rather than solely managing symptoms. This approach not only alleviates behavioral challenges but also offers children the opportunity to thrive both academically and socially.

Physiological Mechanisms Linking Breathing and ADHD

The connection between breathing dysfunction and ADHD-like symptoms lies in the physiological impact of disrupted sleep on brain function. Sleep is essential for cognitive and emotional regulation, and when it is compromised by conditions like sleep-disordered breathing, the ripple effects can mimic or exacerbate ADHD symptoms.

1. Sleep Deprivation’s Impact

Chronic sleep deprivation, often caused by breathing disorders during sleep, disrupts a child’s ability to function optimally during the day.

• The Role of Breathing in Sleep Quality:
  • Conditions like obstructive sleep apnea lead to fragmented sleep, where the brain is repeatedly pulled out of deeper restorative stages to address breathing interruptions.
  • These micro-arousals often go unnoticed by parents or children but have profound effects on overall sleep quality.
• Daytime Consequences of Sleep Deprivation:
  • Sleepiness and Fatigue: The lack of restorative sleep results in daytime drowsiness, making it difficult for children to stay alert.
  • Hyperactivity as a Coping Mechanism: Counterintuitively, children often respond to fatigue by becoming hyperactive, as their bodies attempt to stay awake through increased activity levels.
  • Cognitive Impairment: Sleep deprivation affects memory, problem-solving, and attention regulation, leading to struggles in academic and social settings.

These symptoms closely align with those of ADHD, creating a potential for misdiagnosis if underlying sleep issues go unaddressed.

2. Brain Function and Behavior

Sleep is critical for maintaining balanced brain function, and its disruption directly affects areas of the brain responsible for attention, behavior, and emotional regulation.

• Prefrontal Cortex Dysfunction:
  • This region of the brain, responsible for executive functions like decision-making, attention, and impulse control, is highly sensitive to sleep deprivation.
  • Reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex due to poor sleep can result in distractibility, impulsive behavior, and emotional outbursts—hallmark symptoms of ADHD.
• Emotional Regulation:
  • Sleep-deprived children are more likely to exhibit heightened emotional responses, including irritability, aggression, or frustration.
  • Poor sleep disrupts the brain’s limbic system, which governs emotions, further exacerbating behavioral challenges.
• Long-Term Effects on Neural Development:
  • Chronic sleep disruption during critical developmental stages can hinder the formation of neural pathways essential for learning and social behavior.
  • Over time, this can contribute to persistent challenges even after sleep issues are resolved, highlighting the importance of early intervention.

3. Visual Aid

To better understand the physiological link between breathing dysfunction and ADHD-like symptoms, consider the following flowchart:

Breathing Dysfunction (e.g., Sleep-Disordered Breathing)
↓
Fragmented Sleep & Micro-Arousals
↓
Chronic Sleep Deprivation
↓
Brain Impact:

• Prefrontal Cortex Dysfunction → Impaired attention and impulse control.
• Limbic System Dysregulation → Emotional instability and aggression.
• Neural Development Interruption → Learning and social challenges.
  ↓
  Daytime Symptoms:
• Hyperactivity.
• Difficulty focusing.
• Emotional outbursts.

This visual representation highlights the cascading effects of breathing dysfunction on the brain and behavior, illustrating why addressing sleep-disordered breathing is essential in children presenting with ADHD-like symptoms.

By understanding these physiological mechanisms, we see how breathing dysfunction directly impacts a child’s sleep and brain function, paving the way for targeted interventions that address the root cause rather than merely managing symptoms. This insight underscores the potential for transformative outcomes when these hidden culprits are addressed early.

Solutions: Improving Breathing for ADHD Relief

Addressing breathing dysfunction in children provides a promising pathway to mitigate ADHD-like symptoms. A combination of practical, medical, and systemic interventions can help improve breathing patterns, enhance sleep quality, and ultimately support better cognitive and behavioral outcomes.

1. Practical Interventions

These non-invasive strategies can be implemented at home and incorporated into daily routines to encourage proper breathing habits:

Breathing Exercises:

• Diaphragmatic Breathing:
  • Encourage slow, deep breaths from the diaphragm rather than shallow chest breathing.
  • Example exercise: Place one hand on the chest and the other on the stomach. Breathe deeply, ensuring the stomach rises while the chest stays still.
• Nasal Breathing:
  • Promote exclusive nasal breathing during both waking and sleeping hours to optimize oxygen intake and filtration.
  • Tape therapy (using a gentle adhesive strip to encourage nasal breathing during sleep) can be an effective solution for older children under professional guidance.
• Buteyko Breathing Exercises:
  • Introduce controlled breathing techniques designed to normalize breathing volume, reduce over-breathing, and improve CO2 balance.

Lifestyle Adjustments:

• Posture Improvement: Poor posture, especially slouching, can restrict lung capacity. Encourage activities like yoga or sitting upright during screen time.
• Stress Reduction: High stress can lead to rapid, shallow breathing. Introduce mindfulness practices such as meditation or guided relaxation techniques.
• Physical Activity: Regular exercise, particularly aerobic activities, naturally encourages deeper, more efficient breathing.

Dietary Changes:

• Harder Foods for Chewing:
  • Introduce crunchy vegetables, fruits, and nuts to help develop stronger jaw muscles and a wider airway.
  • Limit processed foods that require minimal chewing, which contribute to underdeveloped facial structures.

2. Medical Interventions

When breathing dysfunction is more severe, professional medical treatments may be necessary:

Myofunctional Therapy:

• This therapy involves exercises to retrain the muscles of the mouth and throat, promoting proper tongue posture and nasal breathing.

Orthodontic Devices:

• Expanders and similar devices can correct structural issues like narrow palates or misaligned teeth, improving airflow and reducing sleep-disordered breathing.

Surgical Options:

• In cases of severe obstruction, minor surgeries such as adenotonsillectomy (removal of adenoids and tonsils) or nasal surgeries may be recommended.
• These interventions can significantly improve airway patency, enabling better sleep and breathing.

3. Early Intervention

Routine Screening in Healthcare Settings:

• Pediatricians should include breathing assessments during regular check-ups, especially for children displaying ADHD-like behaviors.
• Questions about snoring, mouth breathing, and sleep quality should be standard during developmental evaluations.

Awareness Campaigns for Parents:

• Educational materials highlighting the signs of breathing dysfunction can empower parents to seek early help.
• Schools, daycare centers, and pediatric clinics are ideal venues for distributing this information.

4. The Role of Schools

Building Awareness in Educational Institutions:

• Teachers and counselors can play a pivotal role in identifying children at risk by noting behaviors like excessive hyperactivity, daytime sleepiness, or difficulty concentrating.
• Schools can partner with healthcare professionals to conduct periodic breathing and sleep assessments for students.

Incorporating Breathing Practices in Classrooms:

• Brief breathing exercises or mindfulness sessions can help students regulate their emotions and focus better during lessons.
• Programs like yoga or physical education classes can integrate proper breathing techniques into the curriculum.

By focusing on these solutions, families, educators, and healthcare professionals can work together to improve breathing patterns, potentially reducing the burden of ADHD-like symptoms. These interventions highlight a proactive and holistic approach, addressing underlying causes while supporting long-term well-being for children.

The Need for Further Research

While the existing evidence strongly suggests a connection between breathing dysfunction and ADHD-like symptoms, the complexity of ADHD as a condition necessitates further investigation. Comprehensive research is essential to validate the link and refine treatment approaches, particularly non-pharmaceutical interventions.

1. Call for Studies

Highlighting the Research Gap:

• The current understanding of the relationship between breathing dysfunction and ADHD is based on observational studies, anecdotal evidence, and preliminary findings. While these are promising, they lack the robust experimental data needed to influence mainstream ADHD treatment protocols.
• Large-scale, longitudinal studies are required to track how interventions addressing breathing dysfunction impact ADHD symptoms over time.

Raising Awareness in the Research Community:

• Advocacy from clinicians, researchers, and organizations supporting children with ADHD can drive interest in this underexplored area.
• Collaboration between pediatricians, neurologists, psychologists, and sleep specialists can pave the way for multidisciplinary studies.

2. Focus Areas for Future Research

Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions:

• Investigate the efficacy of interventions like nasal breathing retraining, diaphragmatic breathing, and myofunctional therapy in reducing ADHD symptoms.
• Explore whether these practices can serve as standalone treatments or complementary therapies alongside traditional ADHD interventions.

Mechanistic Studies:

• Conduct brain imaging studies to map how improved breathing affects brain regions involved in attention, behavior, and emotional regulation.
• Examine the role of oxygen levels, CO2 balance, and improved sleep cycles in cognitive and behavioral improvements.

Developmental Considerations:

• Study the impact of early interventions (e.g., breastfeeding, dietary changes) on preventing the development of ADHD-like symptoms in at-risk children.
• Investigate how addressing breathing dysfunction during critical developmental stages can influence long-term outcomes for children diagnosed with ADHD.

By prioritizing rigorous, targeted research, the healthcare community can better understand how breathing dysfunction contributes to ADHD. This deeper insight will not only validate innovative interventions but also offer families additional tools to support children, reducing reliance on pharmaceutical treatments and improving quality of life.

Conclusion: A Hopeful Outlook

As we reflect on the potential connection between breathing dysfunction and ADHD, it becomes clear that modern lifestyles—characterized by sedentary habits, poor diet, and stress—are influencing not only our physical health but also our cognitive function. Children who experience sleep-disordered breathing may exhibit symptoms that mimic those of ADHD, such as hyperactivity, poor focus, and emotional instability. However, the good news is that many of these symptoms can be alleviated by addressing the root causes of breathing dysfunction.

1. Key Insights

• Modern Lifestyles and Sleep-Disordered Breathing:
  The rise in sedentary living, processed foods, and increased screen time have collectively contributed to shallow, dysfunctional breathing patterns. These habits, coupled with poor sleep quality caused by conditions like sleep apnea, have been shown to exacerbate ADHD-like symptoms in children.
• Breathing-Focused Interventions:
  Techniques such as nasal breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, and myofunctional therapy show promise as complementary treatments for children with ADHD. These interventions target the underlying issue of improper breathing, offering a non-pharmaceutical approach that can work in conjunction with other treatments.

2. Empowering

Parents, educators, and healthcare providers are in a unique position to make a significant impact on children’s health by recognizing the signs of breathing dysfunction early.

• Proactive Identification:
  Encourage open communication about children’s breathing patterns—snoring, mouth breathing, and frequent nighttime awakenings—during health check-ups and school assessments.
• Practical Steps:
  Simple practices like encouraging nasal breathing, improving posture, and promoting physical activity can begin to address the issue before it manifests as more serious behavioral or cognitive problems.

3. Hopeful Message

The connection between breathing health and ADHD provides a hopeful avenue for intervention. By improving breathing habits, particularly focusing on sleep quality and nasal breathing, children may experience noticeable improvements in attention, emotional regulation, and overall behavior. This shift toward more holistic care offers a better future for families grappling with the challenges of ADHD.

4. Call-to-Action

• Advocate for Holistic ADHD Assessments:
  By including breathing assessments as part of routine ADHD evaluations, we can offer children a comprehensive treatment plan that targets all potential contributors to their condition.
• Share the Knowledge:
  Spread the word to parents, educators, and caregivers about the profound impact breathing can have on children’s cognitive and emotional well-being. By creating awareness, we help ensure that children get the support they need early in their development.
• Support the MEDA Foundation:
  As we work toward creating self-sustaining ecosystems for individuals, especially those on the autism spectrum, we encourage you to participate and donate to the MEDA Foundation to continue supporting programs that provide real solutions for children and families in need.
  
  By embracing a broader understanding of ADHD, we can create a future where children thrive, not only through pharmaceutical interventions but through lifestyle changes and holistic, breathing-centered approaches that foster healthier, happier lives.

Book References:

1. Nestor, James. Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art
   In this book, James Nestor explores the profound impact that proper breathing can have on overall health, including mental and emotional well-being. He delves into the science of breathing, the effects of modern living on our respiratory habits, and how correcting these patterns can improve conditions like ADHD and sleep-disordered breathing.
2. Pennebaker, James W. Opening Up: The Healing Power of Expressing Emotions
   This book discusses the link between emotions and physical health, offering insight into how emotional regulation, including breathing practices, can influence overall behavior, especially in conditions such as ADHD.
3. Thompson, Robert. The Oxygen Advantage: The Simple Way to Improve Your Health by Changing the Way You Breathe
   Robert Thompson’s book focuses on breathing techniques that optimize oxygen intake and improve overall health, which can help mitigate symptoms of disorders like ADHD by enhancing focus and reducing anxiety.
4. Miller, Caroline. The Power of Breath: A Practical Guide to Healthy Breathing
   This book offers practical exercises and breathing techniques that can be used to address sleep disorders, stress, and cognitive issues, making it a useful resource for parents and caregivers managing ADHD-like symptoms in children.
5. Sahota, Sandeep. Breathing for Health: How Breathing Can Change Your Life
   This work highlights the connection between respiratory health and cognitive functioning, shedding light on how specific breathing exercises can be used to alleviate issues such as ADHD, stress, and anxiety.