By Simona Stramaccioni
Founder of SIMO Breath
How SOMA Breath, IHT, and A.D.O.S.E. Support Neurological Balance
Millions of people struggle with Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), a condition marked by an uncomfortable urge to move the legs, especially at night. For many, it disrupts sleep, mood, and overall well-being. Now, a recent study suggests that RLS may be linked to a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease, a neurological disorder associated with dopamine imbalance.
But here’s the encouraging part:
The very treatments used to support RLS, particularly dopamine agonists, may actually reduce the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease over time.
This emerging connection shines light on something powerful:
Dopamine regulation and nervous system health are central to movement, sleep, motivation, and emotional balance.
And this is where SOMA Breath, Intermittent Hypoxic Training (IHT), and the A.D.O.S.E. neurochemical framework offer a promising complementary approach.
Dopamine, Movement & The Nervous System
Both RLS and Parkinson’s disease involve disruptions in the dopamine system, the neurotransmitter responsible for:
Motor control
Motivation and reward
Focus and mood
Neurological signaling
The study showed that over 15 years:
Of the population group with RLS without dopamine treatment, 2.1% were later diagnosed with Parkinson’s, whereas the ones treated with dopamine agonists, only 0.5% were later diagnosed with the same disease.
This is a four-fold difference.
While the cause-and-effect relationship remains unclear, the findings point to something essential:
Supporting the dopamine system may help protect long-term neurological health.
How SOMA Breath Supports Dopamine — Naturally
At SIMO Breath, we use techniques rooted in pranayama, rhythmic breathing, visualization, music, and Intermittent Hypoxic Training (IHT). Research suggests that practices like these may help the body regulate dopamine naturally.
Breathwork can influence dopamine by:
✔ Increasing oxygen efficiency and mitochondrial function
✔ Activating reward circuits without external substances
✔ Improving sleep quality, one of the most disrupted aspects of RLS
✔ Reducing chronic stress, which depletes dopamine stores
When you pair rhythmic breathwork with intermittent hypoxia, you have a neurochemical powerhouse. Many clients report:
Reduced stress-related restlessness
Better sleep and deeper relaxation
Improved mood and motivation
Decreased inflammation and tension in the body
The A.D.O.S.E. Formula: The Chemistry of Feeling Good
SOMA Breath works with the body’s natural production of A.D.O.S.E.:
| Neurochemical | What It Supports |
| Anandamide | Bliss, pain relief, nervous system relaxation |
| Dopamine | Motivation, reward, movement regulation |
| Oxytocin | Bonding, trust, emotional connection |
| Serotonin | Mood balance, sleep, digestion |
| Endorphins | Natural pain relief, pleasure, resilience |
When we breathe in specific rhythmic patterns, combined with breathholds and music entrainment, we stimulate a natural cascade of these neurotransmitters. Clients often describe the experience as:
“Like my nervous system is finally exhaling.”
“A deep restfulness I haven’t felt in years.”
Could Breathwork Help Restless Legs?
While breathwork is not a medical treatment, it offers supportive benefits that align with what many RLS individuals need:
Improved sleep quality
Reduced night-time restlessness
Decreased stress and anxiety
Enhanced circulation and oxygen utilization
Support for dopamine balance through natural, internal pathways
Magnesium, iron, and B6 may also help, and breathwork can be a complementary practice woven into a holistic plan.
A Simple Practice for Nighttime Restlessness
Try this before bedtime:
The Slow Melt Breath (4 minutes)
- Breathe in through the nose for 4 seconds
2. Exhale through the nose for 8 seconds
3. Whisper internally: “It is safe to rest.”
This helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, decreasing the urge to move.
Turn on your right side, it will help falling asleep faster.
The study’s conclusion is not a cause for alarm, but a reminder that the nervous system is adaptive, and we have tools to support balance.
For those facing RLS, sleep disruption, or neurological tension, breathwork offers a promising, empowering path — one that supports the body’s chemistry from within.