Pranayama reduces perceived stress levels in healthy young adults. It calms the nervous system and improves stress response.
Pranayama can help improve the quality of sleep. A 2019 study found that pranayama can decrease snoring and daytime sleepiness.
Pranayama helps remove carbon dioxide and raises oxygen levels, fueling the brain cells. It contributes to mindfulness by improving focus and concentration.
The mindful breathing required for pranayama helps in calming down the nervous system. It, in turn, reduces stress and the risk of hypertension, a condition when the blood pressure reaches an unhealthy level.
The slow and mindful breathing of pranayama improves the functioning of the lungs. It may be a useful lung-strengthening tool for lung conditions like asthma and allergic bronchitis.
A 2013 study suggests that 12 weeks of pranayama can improve executive function, including working memory, cognitive flexibility and reasoning skills.
Pranayama can decrease cravings in people who are trying to quit smoking. It also minimises the detrimental effects related to smoking withdrawal.