From the Research
Muscle twitching can occur both during and after a 10-minute hyperventilation episode. During hyperventilation, rapid breathing causes excessive carbon dioxide to be expelled from the body, leading to respiratory alkalosis (increased blood pH) 1. This change in pH affects calcium binding in the bloodstream, making calcium less available to muscles and nerves. The resulting imbalance in electrolytes can trigger involuntary muscle contractions or twitches, particularly in the hands, feet, and around the mouth.
Some of the key factors that contribute to muscle twitching during hyperventilation include:
- Respiratory alkalosis, which increases blood pH and affects calcium binding 1
- Hypocapnia, which can lead to haemoconcentration and changes in blood cell counts 2
- Increased sympathetic adrenergic tone, which can contribute to the symptomatology of hyperventilation syndrome 1
These symptoms may continue or even intensify shortly after the hyperventilation episode ends as the body works to restore normal acid-base balance. The twitching typically resolves on its own as breathing normalizes and carbon dioxide levels return to baseline, usually within minutes to hours after hyperventilation stops. If experiencing frequent hyperventilation episodes with muscle twitching, breathing into a paper bag (not plastic) can help by allowing you to rebreathe some carbon dioxide, though seeking medical evaluation is important to rule out underlying conditions. According to a study published in 2013, breathing exercises may be beneficial in reducing the frequency and severity of hyperventilation attacks 3. However, more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of breathing exercises for hyperventilation syndrome.