- John A. Chavez & Mauro Zappaterra

Abstract

Metabolic waste clearance of the brain is an emerging field of research pertinent to neurodegenerative and psychiatric conditions. Within the past decade, sleep has been identified as a primary factor in terms of waste clearance of the brain via the nasal turbinates and glymphatic system. Disturbances of sleep induced by conditions such as insomnia have been observed to promote multifactorial conditions that contribute to accelerated neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. In addition, it’s been observed that the medium primarily responsible for brain waste clearance is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Recent research indicates that CSF movement is primarily modulated by respiration. Based on the data indicating an inverse relationship between CSF volume and cerebral blood volume (CBV), it brings us to the hypothesis that utilizing Wim Hof Method (WHM) breathing instructions can induce accelerated, conscious waste clearance of the brain. This is based on the inspiration portion of respiration driving CSF into the brain increasing CSF volume while inducing arterial vasoconstriction. Following repetitive deep inspirations, WHM utilizes full exhalation followed by sustained breath retention of 30 s or more. We hypothesize that during this breath retention, cerebral arterial vasodilation takes place increasing CBV therefore displacing CSF by forcing this fluid to drain out via the nasal turbinates and glymphatic system. This would be the first study to date identifying that brain waste clearance can be consciously modulated via a specific respiration technique during our waking state. The ramifications of this research could have important implications for optimal treatment and care plans regarding neurodegenerative diseases.

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