What happens when I can’t stop laughing?

A good punchline is more powerful than you realise. Studies show that a ‘lol’ can stop your long-term health from cracking up - no joke

1. The good times 

Regular laughter can protect your recall ability. It reduces the production of stress hormone cortisol, high levels of which not only eat away at muscle but, “can cause damage to your hippocampus, the area of the brain that deals with memory,” says Loma Linda University’s Dr Gurinder Bains. He advocates a daily chuckle to keep you bright. Even if only to summon timely Peep Show references.

(Related: The best jokes from the Edinburgh fringe)

2. Tough crowd

A Florida International University study found that hospital patients who were shown classic comedies like A Fish Called Wanda while recovering from surgery reported perceiving faster recovery. They also requested fewer painkillers than patients who were shown thrillers such as Die Hard II. In this case, John Cleese outwits John McClane. It’s a reason to laugh hard with a vengeance.

3. Get in the zone

A few chuckles can shift your brain into the gamma state, reports a 2014 study. The highest of the five known brain frequencies, it’s often referred to by artists and athletes as ‘the zone’ or ‘flow state’. “Gamma frequency represents the highest level of cognitive processing,” says study author Dr Lee S Berk. Let Dave Chappelle open for your next big presentation and have less mental heckling.

(Related: The power of the mind in performance) 

4. Lift the spirits

Laughing ’til it hurts is a real thing. That dull pain is caused by the emptying of the lungs and tired abs (AKA lolgainz). But a good belly laugh also packs pre-workout power. In an Oxford University study, people who watched a funny video for 15 minutes raised their pain thresholds by 10%. Slapstick yielded the best results, followed by sitcoms and stand-up. Monty Python > Alan Partridge > Stewart Lee.

5. Hearty ha-ha 

According to a University of Maryland study, a daily dose of comedy may fend off heart attacks. Researchers found that laughter alleviated stress and increased blood flow: two factors associated with a healthier ticker.