Ugandan Experts Say Laughter Can Cut Cortisol 36.7% and Boost Health
Updated
Updated · New Vision · Jun 1
Ugandan Experts Say Laughter Can Cut Cortisol 36.7% and Boost Health
2 articles · Updated · New Vision · Jun 1
Summary
Ugandan psychologists and doctors said laughter supports physical, mental and social well-being, citing evidence that even one laughter session can sharply lower stress.
Frontiers in Psychology research covering more than 300 participants found laughter reduced cortisol by up to 36.7%, while experts said it also releases endorphins, eases pain, relaxes muscles and may improve sleep and blood pressure.
Makerere University psychologist Peter Baguma said Uganda has done little formal laughter research because psychology only began developing locally in the 1960s and 1970s, adding that more studies would require funding.
Doctors said laughter also helps people cope with adversity, improves classroom and workplace engagement, and strengthens social bonds by making people seem more approachable and easing tension.
Experts cautioned that uncontrolled laughter can sometimes signal conditions such as psychosis or schizophrenia, while children—who may laugh 300 to 400 times a day—benefit especially when adults create playful environments.