Cyclic Sighing is two in-breaths through the nose (a full one, then a short top-up), then a long, slow out-breath through the mouth. In a 4-week study, 5 minutes a day of cyclic sighing improved positive mood more than mindfulness meditation.
How do you do Cyclic Sighing?
- Breathe in through your nose.
- Take a small extra sip of air on top.
- Let it all out slowly through your mouth, until you feel empty.
The rhythm
In 3sSip 1sOut 6s
The default rhythm is the gentlest standard one; the app also offers 3 · 1 · 8.
What does the research say?
In a 4-week study, 5 minutes a day of cyclic sighing improved positive mood more than mindfulness meditation.
Evidence grade B · Studied: At least one randomized trial of this technique with mostly positive results, or a close member of a well-studied family. Grades describe evidence for feeling calmer, more alert or more focused, never a claim about treating a condition.
Sources
What might you feel?
Light-headed if rushed. The exhale should be slow, not forceful.
Who should take care with Cyclic Sighing?
Before a session the app shows a short caution when it applies:
- With panic attacks or panic disorder, COPD or another lung condition, fainting or getting dizzy easily or “Prefer not to say”: If deep breaths feel uncomfortable, make them smaller and slower.
Oxigen is a wellness app, not a medical device. It does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. If you have a health condition or are pregnant, talk to your doctor before starting, and keep following your care plan.
How Oxigen guides Cyclic Sighing
- Rhythms: 3 · 1 · 6 or 3 · 1 · 8 seconds.
- Session length: 2 or 5 minutes.
- Free, with no subscription.
- One tap from Today as the SOS Calm quick start (2 min).
- An orb, a rhythm ring, haptics and optional sound guide each breath, with “I feel unwell” always on screen.
Similar calming techniques
Updated November 8, 2026. Copy reviewed against Oxigen’s claims policy and technique reference.