Skip to main content

Stop smoking

Here’s what happens when you quit for good
  • After 20 minutes – Check your pulse rate, it will already be starting to return to normal.
  • After 8 hours – Your oxygen levels are recovering, and the harmful carbon monoxide level in your blood will have reduced by half.
  • After 48 hours – Your lungs are clearing out mucus and your sense of smell and taste are improving.
  • After 72 hours – If you notice that breathing feels easier, it’s because the tubes in your lungs have started to relax. Your energy will be also increasing.
  • After 2 to 12 weeks – Your circulation would have improved, making physical activity easier.
  • After 3 to 9 months – Any coughs, wheezing or breathing problems will be improving as your lung function increase by up to 10%.
  • After 1 year – Your risk of heart attack will have halved compared with a smoker’s.

  • Quit with help

    Everyone has a different reason for quitting, get a personalised Quit Smoking Plan.

    Website
    Quit with help

  • NHS Quit smoking

    Quitting is much easier when you get the right support and there are lots of options to choose from. Check out their advice, tools and tips.

    Website
    NHS: Quit smoking

  • Live Well Derby

    With Live Well Derby’s support and free stop smoking medicine, finding your Will Power to succeed is within your reach.

    Phone
    01332 641254

    Website
    www.livewellderby.co.uk

    Email
    livewell@derby.gov.uk

Page published: 9 May 2023
Last updated: 16 June 2026