Getting a good nights sleep is something that literally millions of people struggle with on a consistent basis. The pressures of the day can sometimes make it hard to decompress as we lie awake, tossing and turning until the wee hours of the morning. And then the same thing happens again and again until were completely exhausted and grouchy, not to mention a little less productive as the day wears on. But theres still hope for the sleep deprived, and it may sound a little crazy, yet theres a simple trick we can all use to help us get to dreamland a little faster.
I was talking to a friend of mine who happens to be a licensed wellness practitioner, and I told her that Id been having trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. She then told me about the 4-7-8 trick, which is a methodical breathing technique used to help people who suffer from mild cases of insomnia to nod off quickly and get some recuperative rest.
Heres how it works. Breathe (inhale) through your nostrils for a total of four seconds, then hold your breath in for seven seconds, and then slowly exhale through your mouth for a total of eight seconds; rinse and repeat as needed and try not to stray from the prescribed pattern. This breathing combination forces your lungs to take in more oxygen and as a result, your bodys heart-rate will begin to slow down, which essentially has a calming effect on your brain during the process. Even though this breathing trick sounds a little crazy, give it a try and you may be visiting Mr. Sandman a lot sooner than you think!
