One of the problems that many people experience is a difficulty falling asleep. It is a form of insomnia and in some cases, an individual may be awake in bed for hours at night before they are able to go to sleep. This may be due to any number of different factors, included high anxiety levels, cognitive impairment or even muscle fatigue.
Believe it or not, there is a simple method that allows you to fall asleep quickly and easily. Once you learn to do it, you will find that you are consistently drifting off to sleep within 60 seconds after hitting the pillow. It is as the 4-7-8 breathing technique and is quite effective for people with insomnia.
How to Do It
Dr. Andrew Weil, a Harvard educated wellness practitioner, was the man who developed this breathing technique. He studies breathing and meditation and how you can use them to fight stress. It is easy to do.
You begin by breathing in through the nose for a count of 4 seconds. Hold your breath for a count of 7 seconds and breathe out through the mouth for a count 8 seconds. Repeat this process 4 times or continue to repeat it until you fall asleep.
One important thing to remember is that you should not increase the speed of your breathing while you are doing it. Try to maintain the pattern consistently for as long as you can. In doing so, it will allow you to drift off to sleep quickly.
Why Does It Work?
When you inhale to the count of 4, you are taking in more oxygen. The oxygen makes it into the bloodstream when you hold it for the count of 7.
As you slowly exhale for 8 seconds, you are expelling the carbon dioxide from your lungs. This helps to slow the heart rate and increases how much oxygen is in your bloodstream.
Not only is this safe, it is a totally natural way to fall asleep immediately. The next time you are having a sleepless night, don’t count sheep, count your breathing.
H/T: Health and Healthy Living
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