askvity

What is the longest a human can hold their breath?

Published in Human Limits 2 mins read

The longest a human can hold their breath is 24 minutes and 37 seconds, achieved by Budimir Šobat.

Understanding Breath-Holding Records

The world of competitive breath-holding, also known as apnea, is fascinating. Divers push the limits of human physiology, going beyond what most people imagine is possible. This remarkable feat is often achieved with specific techniques that allow the body to conserve oxygen more efficiently.

Factors Influencing Breath-Holding

Several factors contribute to a person's ability to hold their breath for extended periods:

  • Training: Professional breath-hold divers undergo rigorous training regimens.
  • Technique: Specific breathing techniques, such as hyperventilation followed by deep breathing, can help increase oxygen levels before a breath hold.
  • Physiology: Individual physiological differences play a significant role.
  • Mental Fortitude: Maintaining a calm mental state is key to extending breath-holding times.
  • Experience: Experience and time spent practicing are significant factors to lengthening your breath holding times.

World Record Example

Budimir Šobat, a professional breath-hold diver, holds the current world record. He is able to hold his breath for 24 minutes and 37 seconds using techniques that optimize oxygen intake and usage.

Additional Considerations

While the world record for static apnea (breath-holding while still) is a testament to human potential, it's important to note that:

  • These are feats performed by professional athletes.
  • Attempting breath-holding of this magnitude without proper training can be dangerous.
  • The average person's breath-holding time is much shorter.

Conclusion

Therefore, the longest officially recorded time for a human to hold their breath is 24 minutes and 37 seconds.

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