January 06, 2026

A Hidden Breathing Problem May Help Explain Chronic Fatigue's Exhaustion

7 minutes

In a recent study, 71% of chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) patients tested had abnormal breathing patterns like hyperventilation or dysfunctional breathing, which were not seen in healthy controls
Dysfunctional breathing was found in 42% of ME/CFS participants, leading to erratic, inefficient breathing during exertion, often without the person realizing it
Low carbon dioxide (CO2) levels from overbreathing reduce oxygen delivery to muscles and the brain, worsening symptoms like brain fog, pain sensitivity, and exhaustion
A simple breath-hold test helps identify poor CO2 tolerance, a key sign that your nervous system is stuck in "survival mode" and needs retraining
Gentle breath retraining using nasal breathing, light breath holds, and CO2 awareness can improve energy, reduce dizziness, and calm the nervous system

...more

By Dr. Mercola

4.6

14871,487 ratings

January 06, 2026

7 minutes

In a recent study, 71% of chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) patients tested had abnormal breathing patterns like hyperventilation or dysfunctional breathing, which were not seen in healthy controls
Dysfunctional breathing was found in 42% of ME/CFS participants, leading to erratic, inefficient breathing during exertion, often without the person realizing it
Low carbon dioxide (CO2) levels from overbreathing reduce oxygen delivery to muscles and the brain, worsening symptoms like brain fog, pain sensitivity, and exhaustion
A simple breath-hold test helps identify poor CO2 tolerance, a key sign that your nervous system is stuck in "survival mode" and needs retraining
Gentle breath retraining using nasal breathing, light breath holds, and CO2 awareness can improve energy, reduce dizziness, and calm the nervous system

...more