The world record is 24 min 37.36 sec
How can they stay conscious for so long on a single breath? Doesn’t the body need a constant supply of oxygen?
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A lot of people mention the hyperventilation before breath holding but this can be very dangerous especially for holding your breath underwater as it can lead to shallow water black outs and drowning.
Essentially because the hyperventilation will remove most of the CO2 from your body and CO2 not oxygen is the trigger you need to breathe. You may end up without enough oxygen in your body to stay conscious even if you don’t feel the need to breathe.
I’m sure it’s been said but that time is with oxygen saturation. Normal breath hold record is much lower.
100 comments in and nobody has mentioned muscle activity?? Any muscle activity increases oxygen demand. Relax all the muscles for a few minutes beforehand, while taking deep breaths and oxygenating the blood. Anyone can do a few minutes with no training.
Breathing involves 2 gasses CO^2 and O^2. Carbon dioxide is toxic and needs to leave the body long before you use all the oxygen in your lungs. Therefore by blowing out a little to relieve the feeling of desperation about taking a breath you can stay under water for longer without training. Training takes the deep water divers the rest of the way. Also notice how rapidly they return to the surface once they’ve reached their deepest point.
For those interested, google shallow water drowning. Lots of stories about people holding breathe too long and then passing out/dying/nearly dying etc.
Typically “amatuers” trying to compete against someone else in a pool etc. I can hold my breathe longer than you/swim under water longer than you.
Not exactly answering your question of course, but figured I would throw it out there.
well, if your body is hypothermic, your respiration slows, its kinda like hibernation. You can train to hold your breath for longer. The world record is like 20 minutes. This is a professional diver. it would take years to get to that level.
And the (American Football) Denver Broncos have only lost 1 home game to New Orleans in 50 + years. This is because Denver is used to breathing in thin mountain air. Oxygen concentration is lower. New Orleans is at sea level. Their bodies are used to more concentrated O2.
so yes, you usually need a fairly constant supply of oxygen. but human bodies adapt
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