Is Laughter Good Medicine?

Laughter can temporarily reduce levels of stress hormones, including cortisol, and may help relieve psychological tension. It may also help the body move away from a prolonged stress response.

Laughter can activate brain regions associated with pleasure and reward, and it may encourage the release of endorphins, which are involved in pain modulation and feelings of well-being. Some research suggests that laughter can increase pain tolerance, possibly through endorphin-related mechanisms. Laughing together socially may produce a stronger effect than watching something funny alone.

Laughter may be one of its most important functions in social life. It can strengthen social bonds, help establish trust and rapport, reduce interpersonal tension, make social interactions more enjoyable, and help people cope with difficult situations.

Laughter is also a remarkably ancient social behavior, appearing in humans and other primates. People often laugh much more during ordinary conversation than when watching comedy alone. This suggests that laughter evolved partly as a social bonding mechanism, not merely as a response to humor. People also laugh when nervous, relieved, uncomfortable, or when communicating friendliness or cooperation.

A study published in 2023 analyzed eight studies involving 315 adults. Researchers found that laughter interventions were associated with approximately 32% lower cortisol levels compared with control conditions, and that even one laughter session showed a measurable reduction.

A 2022 systematic review of 45 randomized trials involving 2,547 participants found improvements in mental, physiological, and physical health outcomes. However, the studies varied considerably in quality and methodology.

The evidence differs by outcome. Temporary stress relief is fairly convincing. Improved mood and reduced anxiety show promising evidence. Pain tolerance has some supporting evidence. Improved immune function is mixed and limited. Preventing serious diseases and extending lifespan are not established.

Feeling healthier because of laughter is not necessarily the same as laughter directly preventing disease.

Laughter is genuinely beneficial, especially for stress management, emotional well-being, and social connection. It is a reasonable, low-cost complement to other health practices, but not a substitute for medical treatment.

You do not necessarily need to find something funny to experience some of the physiological benefits of laughter. Laughter-based exercises, including laughter yoga, have shown promising results even when laughter is initially simulated.