Sleep breathing
7 minutesThe Breathe exercise uses a simple breathing technique recommended by Dr. Andrew Weil of Harvard Medical School. The 4-7-8 breathing method (inhale to a count of four, hold your breath for seven, exhale for a count of eight).
It helps to quickly relieve anxiety by regulating breathing, and drawing more oxygen into the lungs for a more relaxing effect on your nervous system.
“This isn’t a method that you do once and get right the first time,” advises Dr. Weil. “It takes a little bit of practice, but it’s incredibly simple.”
Speaking to French popular science magazine Sciences et Avenir, chronobiology researcher Claude Gronfier of Lyon University’s health research unit comments: “I find this an interesting approach. It’s not dissimilar to certain yoga techniques aimed at controlling breathing, to relax the body and mind.”
Recommendations for use: Practice Breath Awakening in the morning and Breathe Sleep at night before bedtime.