Probably the most common question asked about freediving is if it can cause brain damage. While most people are probably aware that it can be dangerous, many do not realize that freediving can actually cause severe injury. Thankfully, the risk of damage can be reduced by following a few simple rules.
The best way to ensure a safe dive is to take a certified freediving course. It is also important to track your depth and surface intervals, especially if you are deep freediving. This can help you avoid decompression sickness, which is one of the most common diving injuries.
Another way to increase your chances of not suffering from a blackout is to stay hydrated. This is because your body has to work harder to keep your core temperature at 98 degrees Fahrenheit. The less time you spend underwater, the less time your body will need to regulate its internal temperature. The body uses a lot of calories to do this.
While it is not a scientifically proven fact that freediving can cause brain damage, it is a fact that people who hold their breath underwater for long periods of time can experience mild neurological dysfunction. The body can also experience apnoea hypoxia, or apnoea, which is when the air in the lungs is less than half the volume it should be.
Another thing to remember is that apnoea hypoxia can be caused by hyperventilation. Holding your breath underwater can be dangerous, especially when you’re underwater in a cold environment.