Reading or sending work emails can cause people to forget to breathe, a phenomenon known as “email apnea”, according …

Reading or sending emails can trigger a dramatic bodily response, including forgetting to breathe, a phenomenon known as “email apnea”. According to Dora Kamau, Lead Mindfulness and Meditation Teacher at Headspace, this occurs when the brain redirects its processing power to the task at hand, causing people to unknowingly alter their breathing.

When we’re intensely focused on a task, the brain will “switch off” certain unconscious functions, leading to short, shallow breaths or holding one’s breath altogether. This term was first coined by Linda Stone in the late 2000s, who found that 80% of participants in her study breathed more shallowly when using a computer. Those who didn’t have formal training in breathing, such as athletes, dancers, or musicians, were less likely to experience this phenomenon. Kamau explains that when we’re in front of a screen, our nervous system shifts into low-grade alert mode, causing our body to respond to perceived uncertainty or threat, such as an overflowing inbox.

The signs of email apnea can be easy to miss, but they include feeling inexplicably tired, suffering from tension headaches, or experiencing a tight feeling across the shoulders and chest. Taking a big, involuntary sigh or deep breathing without knowing why can also be a sign of email apnea. When we hold our breath or breathe shallowly for extended periods, carbon dioxide builds up in the bloodstream, signaling to the body to stay on high alert, even after the task is complete. This can negatively impact cognitive function, including decision-making, creativity, and focus.

To combat email apnea, Kamau recommends taking notice of one’s breath, practicing slow diaphragmatic breathing, and designating mini-breaks. Headspace has launched a Pomodoro timer to help with this, and making micro-adjustments to one’s sitting position, such as sitting up straight and rolling the shoulders back, can also help. By being more mindful of our breathing and taking steps to manage email apnea, we can reduce stress, improve cognitive function, and make better decisions.