Best Breathing Exercises for Sleep

Belly Breathing

Belly breathing, also known as abdominal or diaphragmatic breathing, is an exercise that encourages slower and more relaxed breaths. Most people are accustomed to taking shallow breaths using muscles of the neck and chest Trusted Source Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA) The VA provide veterans the world-class benefits and services including health care and a range of benefits that help them transition back to civilian life in the country they fought to defend. View Source , particularly in times of stress. Belly breathing engages the diaphragm, an important breathing muscle located at the bottom of the chest.

Belly breathing can be performed by following a few simple steps Trusted Source UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. View Source :

1. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position with one hand on your chest and the other on your belly, slightly above your belly button.
2. Take a deep breath through your nose, ensuring that the hand on your chest stays still while the one on your belly rises with your breath.
3. As you exhale, allow the hand on your belly to slowly fall.
4. Count each breath, feeling your hand rise and fall while breathing with only your diaphragm. After 20 belly breaths, relax and breathe normally.

Bhramari Pranayama Breathing

Bhramari Pranayama is an exercise based on the yoga practice of breath control Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source called pranayama. Bhramari is a type of pranayama in which a person covers their eyes and ears Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source while producing a humming or buzzing sound. This breathing exercise involves several steps Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source :

1. Sit in a comfortable position and place your thumbs over your ears to block outside sounds.
2. With your thumbs covering your ears, place your index fingers above your eyebrows and use the remaining fingers to hold your eyes closed.
3. Take a deep inhale, then exhale slowly through the nose while making a humming or buzzing sound and focusing your attention on the area between your eyebrows.
4. Repeat this breathing exercise as needed for relaxation.

4-7-8 Breathing

4-7-8 breathing, also known as relaxing breath, is a deep rhythmic breathing technique based on pranayama practices. This breathing exercise involves a characteristic pattern of inhaling, holding the breath, and exhaling to reduce anxiety and promote relaxed sleep. Try this breathing exercise using five steps:

1. Empty your lungs completely by letting your lips part and audibly exhaling through your mouth.
2. Keeping your mouth closed, inhale quietly through your nose while counting to 4.
3. Hold your breath for a count of 7.
4. Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of 8.
5. Repeat this cycle around 6 times before returning to normal breathing.

Box Breathing

Box breathing is a technique that combines breathing exercises with a visualization Trusted Source National Center for Biotechnology Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source . As the name suggests, box breathing involves visualizing a box with four sides to remind the person performing the exercise of the pattern and length of each breath. This exercise can be done via several steps:

1. Starting after an exhale, inhale slowly through your nose while counting to 4.
2. Hold your breath for another count of 4.
3. Slowly exhale through your mouth for a count of 4.
4. After exhaling, hold your breath for one final count of 4.
5. Repeat this breathing pattern as needed.

Alternate Nostril Breathing

Alternate nostril breathing is another variation of pranayama Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source breathing practices. This exercise involves pinching one nostril at a time to help you control the pace and pattern of breathing:

1. Blocking your right nostril with your right thumb, slowly breathe in through your left nostril for 6 seconds.
2. Block your left nostril with your index finger while holding your breath for 6 seconds.
3. Unblock your right nostril and breathe out through your right nostril for 6 seconds.
4. Breathe in with your right nostril for 6 seconds.
5. Block your right nostril with your thumb and hold your breath for 6 seconds.
6. Unblock your left nostril and breathe out through your left nostril for 6 seconds.
7. Repeat for several rounds of breathing.

Guided Imagery

Guided imagery combines a breathing exercise with calming visualizations. To practice this exercise, first consider the type of imagery that you may find calming. Some people may enjoy recalling a soothing memory, such as time spent on vacation, while others prefer an imaginary scene like floating in the ocean or on a soft cloud.

Once you have selected an image, practice a breathing exercise such as diaphragmatic breathing while envisioning your chosen scene. If you have trouble coming up with a relaxing image, you may find it helpful to use a video or podcast that offers guided imagery for sleep Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source .

To further deepen your sense of relaxation, continue deep and slow breaths as you focus on each of your five senses, including the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and feelings that you would encounter within the visualization.

Adding Breathing Exercises to Your Bedtime Routine

Experts suggest that breathing exercises become more effective with practice Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) As the nation’s health protection agency, CDC saves lives and protects people from health threats. View Source , so persistence is key when incorporating these exercises into your nightly routine. Additional tips can help you get the most out of your nighttime breath work.

• Prepare for setbacks: It is normal to have setbacks Trusted Source National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) NIDDK research creates knowledge about and treatments for diseases that are among the most chronic, costly, and consequential for patients, their families, and the Nation. View Source when developing a new habit. Set aside time each night to practice breathing exercises, and recommit to your goals if you find yourself encountering a roadblock.
• Try other healthy sleep tips: Relaxation exercises are just one nighttime tool to help improve your sleep. Consider adding other aspects of healthy sleep hygiene Trusted Source Medline Plus MedlinePlus is an online health information resource for patients and their families and friends. View Source to your nightly routine as well, such as maintaining a consistent bedtime and avoiding coffee and large meals late in the day.
• Talk to your doctor: While breathing exercises may calm your nerves and help you sleep, relaxation is not a substitute for talking to a doctor or sleep specialist. If you are having persistent difficulty falling or staying asleep, it’s important to contact a health care professional for support.