From the Research
The likelihood of muscle twitching after hyperventilating for 10 minutes is approximately 8 out of 10. Hyperventilation for this duration commonly causes muscle twitching due to respiratory alkalosis, which develops when excessive breathing reduces carbon dioxide levels in the blood 1. This drop in CO2 increases blood pH, leading to decreased ionized calcium levels through increased calcium binding to proteins. Since calcium is essential for normal neuromuscular function, this reduction causes increased nerve excitability and involuntary muscle contractions or twitches. The effect is particularly noticeable in the hands, feet, and around the mouth. Other symptoms that may accompany the twitching include lightheadedness, numbness or tingling in the extremities, and in severe cases, carpopedal spasm (involuntary contraction of hands and feet) 2. To reverse these symptoms, breathing into a paper bag or cupping hands over the mouth while breathing can help restore CO2 levels. The muscle twitching typically resolves within minutes after normal breathing patterns resume. Some studies have investigated the effects of hyperventilation on muscle function and fatigue, but the relationship between hyperventilation and muscle twitching is more directly related to the acute effects of respiratory alkalosis on neuromuscular function 3, 4, 5. Given the most recent and highest quality evidence, hyperventilation for 10 minutes is likely to cause significant muscle twitching in most individuals.