That long sigh after an argument at work isn’t a lack of air: it’s your “hypertrophied” amygdala resetting your brain

A science explainer says deep sighs under stress are not usually caused by lack of air.

When stress or anxiety overactivates the amygdala, it can lengthen the pause after exhaling and trigger long sighs.

The long exhale acts as a reset mechanism for the nervous system and breathing rhythm.

The finding helps frame a common stress symptom through neuroscience, not just lung function.