It is normal for everyone to experience insomnia at some point in their lives. Some people may have a medical condition that causes them to have trouble sleeping, while others may just be experiencing a temporary situation like jet lag, or stress. It’s essential that we have a good night’s sleep, as a lack of sleep can affect us in many different ways.
What Are The Consequences Of Not Having Enough Sleep?
Sleep is as important as eating and drinking water. It is the time when our body does its repair work, so lack of sleep can have many consequences on the body, health and mind. Having a lack of sleep has been found to have a negative effect on our cognitive function, mental health, and emotional wellbeing.
It also impacts our immune system, metabolism and heart rate. Sleep deprivation can also lead to weight gain, high blood pressure and diabetes, so there’s many reasons why good, restful sleep is important, but how can one fall asleep, and quickly?
What Is The Best Method To Help You Fall Asleep Quickly?
There are many methods which claim to help you fall asleep fast, and different methods and techniques will work differently for different people. One of the most popular is a breathing technique called the 4-7-8 breathing technique developed by Dr Andrew Weil, which has been proven to be successful for many people – and it’s one I use myself, and it always works for me.
How To Do The 4-7-8 Breathing Technique?
- Find a comfortable place to sit with your back straight.
- Place your tongue against the back of your top teeth and keep it there.
- Exhale completely through your mouth around your tongue, making a whoosh sound. Purse your lips if it helps.
- Close your lips and inhale through your nose for a count of four.
- Hold your breath for a count of seven.
- Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound for a count of eight.
- This completes one cycle. Repeat for three more cycles.
I don’t know how it’s so effective, but whenever I’m struggling to fall asleep, I try the breathing technique, and it works. Whenever I’m feeling particularly stressed, it helps as I end up focusing on the steps so much I end up not thinking about whatever was on my mind. It’s free, quick and easy to do, and a technique I’d highly recommend trying next time you struggle to nod off.