So, why does this technique work so well, you ask? We have three main reasons. Firstly, it allows you to slow your breathing, which automatically makes you feel more relaxed. Secondly, you will have more oxygen coursing through your body by taking deeper breaths. Thirdly, concentrating on solely your breathing will teach you mindfulness, which many scientists have proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and racing thoughts.
Maybe we’ve forgotten how to sleep because we’ve forgotten how to breathe, but by practicing this breathing exercise, you’ll fall asleep quicker and have a more restful sleep.
You can also do other things to induce sleep, a few of which we have outlined below.
MORE TIPS ON HOW TO FALL ASLEEP FASTER
- Don’t do any sort of work in your bed. You need to associate your bed with sleep and relaxation, not anything else.
- Keep the house comfortable. Studies have shown that people sleep better when the thermostat is set to cool.
- Write down any thoughts you might have before you go to sleep. This way, you can get out all of your stress and frustration before sleep so that you won’t lie awake thinking of everything under the sun that worries you.
- Remove any distractions. Turn off your cell phone, TV, and other digital devices so that you can prepare for sleep and avoid keeping your mind active.
- Try to keep your house quiet. However, if relaxing music helps you fall asleep, by all means, turn it on before bed.
- Have a routine. Our bodies require a certain wake-sleep cycle in order to function properly, so go to bed at the same time each night, and wake at the same time each morning.
Remember, sleep is absolutely vital to living your best life, so honor your needs and prioritize your sleep. You’ll feel more vibrant and happy once you get a normal sleeping schedule down. Sweet dreams!
REFERENCES:
LACK OF SLEEP ALTERS HUMAN GENE ACTIVITY. HTTP://WWW.SURREY.AC.UK/MEDIACENTRE/PRESS/2013/98567_LACK_OF_SLEEP_ALTERS_HUMAN_GENE_ACTIVITY.HTM
IN U.S., 40% GET LESS THAN RECOMMENDED AMOUNT OF SLEEP. HTTP://WWW.GALLUP.COM/POLL/166553/LESS-RECOMMENDED-AMOUNT-SLEEP.ASPX?UTM_SOURCE=ALERT&UTM_MEDIUM=EMAIL&UTM_CAMPAIGN=SYNDICATION&UTM_CONTENT=MORELINK&UTM_TERM=USA%20-%20WELL-BEING
THE 4-7-8 BREATH: HEALTH BENEFITS AND DEMONSTRATION. HTTPS://WWW.DRWEIL.COM/VIDEOS-FEATURES/VIDEOS/THE-4-7-8-BREATH-HEALTH-BENEFITS-DEMONSTRATION/
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