March 27, 2025: There’s a reason why some of the world’s greatest athletes obsess over the smallest details… because the margins between good and legendary are razor-thin. Every element, from diet to recovery, is meticulously optimized. But one of the most overlooked aspects of peak performance isn’t found in the gym or on a nutrition chart; it’s found in the way they breathe.

Erling Haaland, Manchester City’s unstoppable striker, isn’t just making headlines for his goal-scoring ability. His commitment to optimizing his performance extends beyond the pitch, and one of his most intriguing habits has recently caught the public’s attention: mouth taping during sleep. What may initially sound like a publicity stunt or some obscure wellness fad is actually a deliberate strategy to enforce nasal breathing, a method that has been backed by science and elite athletes for decades. And he’s not alone. Cristiano Ronaldo, a player whose longevity and athleticism defy logic, has long been a practitioner of controlled nasal breathing, using it to enhance focus, regulate oxygen intake, and stay composed in high-pressure moments.

Breathing through the nose is nothing new. It’s how the human body was designed to function. But somewhere along the way, whether due to modern lifestyles, stress, or habit, many have fallen into the trap of chronic mouth breathing, a pattern that can lead to decreased oxygen efficiency, disrupted sleep, and increased fatigue. The Buteyko Breathing Center has spent years teaching individuals how to retrain their breathing. Now, with global sports icons embracing nasal breathing, the world is finally taking notice.

Haaland isn't just focused on avoiding a dry mouth while he sleeps. Instead, he's ensuring optimal oxygenation, reducing nighttime hyperventilation, and promoting deep, restorative sleep (key factors in muscle recovery and sustained energy levels). By keeping his mouth shut, he’s allowing his body to regulate breathing naturally, stabilizing CO2 levels, and improving circulation. It’s a small adjustment with massive implications.

The science behind nasal breathing is undeniable. Unlike mouth breathing, which can lead to over-breathing and inefficient oxygen exchange, nasal breathing ensures proper oxygen-carbon dioxide balance, enhances nitric oxide production (which improves blood circulation), and reduces stress on the cardiovascular system. For athletes, this means greater endurance, faster recovery, and better resilience under physical strain.

“Nasal breathing doesn't just improve endurance or lung capacity; it maximizes efficiency,” says Sasha Yakovleva, co-founder of the Buteyko Breathing Center. “When you breathe correctly, every system in your body functions better. Your muscles recover faster, your energy lasts longer, and your stress levels remain controlled. Haaland and Ronaldo are proving what we’ve known for decades: proper breathing is a game-changer.”

While nasal breathing helps with game-time performance, its benefits manifest off the field as well. Many athletes suffer from sleep-disordered breathing, including mild sleep apnea, without even realizing it. Mouth breathing at night can lead to fragmented sleep, poor recovery, and a weakened immune system. By making a simple adjustment, taping the mouth shut, athletes like Haaland are ensuring that their bodies are in peak condition every single day.

But let’s be clear: taping your mouth shut and calling it a day isn’t the solution. The Buteyko Breathing Center teaches a structured, methodical approach to breathing retraining. The goal isn’t just to force nasal breathing but to restore natural, effortless breathing patterns that optimize oxygen intake, CO2 retention, and overall physiological function. Whether you’re an elite athlete or someone simply looking to improve sleep and energy levels, learning to breathe properly is one of the most impactful changes you can make.

As more athletes embrace nasal breathing, it’s clear that the future of performance optimization isn’t just about lifting heavier weights, running faster, or consuming the perfect diet. It’s about mastering the most fundamental aspect of human function: breathing. The Buteyko Breathing Center is leading the charge, proving that one of the most powerful performance enhancers isn’t found in a supplement bottle or a high-tech training facility; it’s found in the simple act of keeping your mouth shut and letting your nose do the work.

About The Breathing Center
The Buteyko Breathing Center is the leading authority on the authentic Buteyko Method, offering specialized training to individuals seeking to improve their health through breathing retraining. Founded by Sasha Yakovleva and Thomas Fredricksen, the Center provides education on K.P. Buteyko’s groundbreaking approach, which addresses chronic over-breathing and its impact on health.

Sasha Yakovleva, co-founder of the Buteyko Breathing Center, is one of the very few practitioners worldwide fully authorized to teach the Buteyko Method in its complete form. Originally from Russia, she was trained at the Buteyko Clinic in Moscow under the direct guidance of L. Novozhilova-Buteyko, A. Novozhilov, MD, and K.P. Buteyko, MD-PhD. A published author and expert in holistic health, Sasha has helped countless individuals worldwide restore their well-being through Buteyko Breathing techniques. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, on television and radio, and in numerous publications.

Through private consultations, online programs, and educational resources, the Buteyko Breathing Center empowers individuals to regain control of their breathing, enhance oxygenation, and improve their overall vitality.

Contact Details
Website: https://www.breathingcenter.com/
Email: [email protected]
Products and Services: https://buteykobreathingcenter.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BreathingCenterHolisticPrograms
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BreathingCenter?lang=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasha-yakovleva-70a09283
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breathingcenter
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1CE4LWRN7tmues1aKD74zw/www.breathingcenter.com