If you’re having trouble falling asleep, we don’t blame you. Outside of chronic insomnia, which is most commonly caused by anxiety, stress, and depression, there are a million reasons to have trouble sleeping. Silence them now, and try this breathing technique.
Struggling with Sleep?
Other ways insomnia affects our sleep, include:
- Difficulty falling asleep regardless of feeling tired
- Frequent waking
- Inadequate sleep quality
- Trouble falling asleep after a disturbance
- Waking up too early
- Irritability
- Fatigue
Whether you’re struggling with mild or chronic insomnia, difficulty falling asleep can cause a significant disruption in everyday life. While things like CBD and careful attention to gut health may be able to help, sometimes you need some good ol’ fashion help: stat.
Sleep is necessary for well-being, and we don’t always know when it’s going to be a struggle.
The 4-7-8 Breathing Technique to Fall Asleep Fast
Forget extensive planning and troubleshooting, and as they say, breathe. No, really. Breathing to relax is certainly a thing, and the 4-7-8 breathing technique has refined the ability to do so. Whether stress or mental chatter is in your way of falling asleep, this technique is your way of commanding your body to be at ease. When tired, it can decrease tiredness and fatigue, but if done before bed—it can help you doze off quicker.
How to Practice This Breathing Technique
The technique can be done by inhaling for four seconds, holding it for seven, then exhaling for eight. Then repeat. If you’re someone who enjoys the support and direction of an app, there are several apps to support the technique, including Breathe and Prana Breath: Calm and Meditate.
There will always be fancy new methods to deal with common ailments like having trouble falling asleep. But isn’t it awesome to know you’ve got all the tools you need for this one already? What are you waiting for? Give it a try. Sweet dreams.