Specific benefits to patients:
- Reduces pain. In response to laughter, our bodies produce pain-killing hormones called endorphins.
- Strengthens immune function. Laughter increases production of T-cells, interferon and immune proteins called globulins.
- Improves respiration. Laughter increases pulmonary reflexes, lung volume and oxygenation of the blood.
- Decreases stress. Laughter significantly lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol and returns the body to a more relaxed state.
Specific benefits to hospital staff:
- Enables earlier patient release. Laughter speeds up recovery, which can help shorten hospitalization cycles, saving costs and enabling hospitals to serve more patients.
- Improves patient comprehension and compliance. Research shows that patients who receive pre- and post-operative instructions in a more relaxed and light-hearted state of mind are much better at following those instructions.
- Reduces patient anxiety. Laughter's stress-reducing effects improve patient and family satisfaction and help defuse potentially confrontational attitudes.
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