Sometimes we take many minutes or even hours on the bed, but sleep does not knock.
To help find sleep quickly, a 4-7-8 breathing technique was invented.
The technique was pioneered by Dr. Andrew Weill from Arizona. who describes the yoga-inspired method as “utterly simple, takes almost no time, requires no equipment and can be done anywhere”.
He describes the yoga-inspired method as “utterly simple, takes almost no time, requires no equipment and can be done anywhere”.
According to Dr.Weill, practicing 4-7-8 breathing can help people fall asleep in just 60 seconds by acting as a “natural tranquilizer for the nervous system” that reduces stress and tension in the body.
The process
Before you begin, place the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth just above your teeth and keep it there throughout the exercise.
Exhale completely through your mouth quite forcefully so you make a “whoosh” sound.
Close your mouth and inhale quietly and softly through your nose for a mental count of four.
Hold your breath and count to seven.
Next, exhale completely through your mouth, making another whoosh sound for eight seconds in one large breath.
Now inhale again and repeat the cycle three times for a total of four breaths.
For this to be effective, all inhaling breaths must be quiet and through your nose and all exhaling breaths must be loud and through your mouth.
Its importance on sleeping boost
It takes on more oxygen, relaxes the parasympathetic nervous system and promotes a state of calmness.
It helps rebalance the nervous system which can become over stimulated during times of stress.
It helps you connect with your body and your breathing and distract you from everyday thoughts that can prevent you from sleeping.