Breathing exercises for better sleep | Wim Hof Method (2024)

People who experience sleep disturbances, anxiety, and stress, may benefit from breathing exercises before they go to sleep. The exercises can help bring your body back into balance and regulate the fight-or-flight response we feel when we experience too much stress. Breathing exercises bring the body into a deep state of relaxation, and contribute to better sleep.

4-7-8 breathing method

The 4-7-8 breathing method helps you to gain control over your breathing, and when you practice regularly, it contributes to falling asleep faster. The 4-7-8 technique is a breathing technique that forces the mind and body to focus on regulating the breath, rather than overthinking your worries when you lie down at night. Besides that, it can soothe a racing heart or calm frazzled nerves. Specific patterns that involve holding your breath for some time allow your body to replenish its oxygen. When practicing the 4-7-8 method you give your organs and tissues an oxygen boost.

How to do it

The concept of 4-7-8 breathing can be compared with breathing exercises such as alternate nostril breathing, meditation, and pranayama breathing. All these breathing exercises ensure that your mind focuses on your breathing pattern, and you can completely relax. To start 4-7-8 breathing make sure you lie down or sit comfortably. For best results and a better night's sleep, practice it lying in bed before going to sleep.

  • Purse your lips and make a whooshing sound. Make sure to exhale completely through your mouth.
  • Close your lips and, in four seconds, inhale silently through your nose.
  • Hold your breath for seven seconds.
  • Exhale for eight seconds making a whooshing sound through your mouth.

When you inhale again, you initiate a new cycle. Practice this pattern for four full breaths. If you practice the 4-7-8 breathing method regularly, you can gradually work up to eight full cycles.

Other techniques to help you sleep

Practicing breathing exercises before going to sleep may not be a suitable technique for everyone, or maybe it is not enough on its own. There are several things you can do which help you to fall asleep faster. For instance, it is helpful to sleep in a completely dark room, so make use of blackout curtains and possibly a sleeping mask. Relaxing music or white noise sounds can also help you to fall asleep. Also, you can try to diffuse essential oils like lavender to become more relaxed. Besides that, it is important to eat healthily, exercise regularly, and reduce caffeine and alcohol intake.

Practice the Wim Hof Method for better sleep

The breathing exercises of the Wim Hof Method are maybe a bit too heavy before you go to sleep. We advise you to practice the breathing exercises in the morning, shortly after waking up, and on an empty stomach. Despite the fairly long period between performing the exercises and your sleep, the effects of the method will certainly be noticeable! Those who practice the Wim Hof Method notice many positive health benefits, such as better focus, lower blood pressure, reduced levels of stress, and they feel more energized. All these effects have a positive impact on your quality of sleep. So, when it is hard for you to fall asleep at night, the Wim Hof Method will help you as a natural sleep aid. Start experiencing all the benefits of the WHM today and sign up for one of our video courses!

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Breathing exercises for better sleep | Wim Hof Method (2024)

FAQs

Breathing exercises for better sleep | Wim Hof Method? ›

As such, the Wim Hof Method acts as a natural sleep aid. People who practiced the Wim Hof Method report many benefits, such as better sleep, better focus , more energy and stress reduction . When you regularly experience sleeping problems, the Wim Hof Method is a great way to improve your sleep.

Does the Wim Hof Method improve sleep? ›

As such, the Wim Hof Method acts as a natural sleep aid. People who practiced the Wim Hof Method report many benefits, such as better sleep, better focus , more energy and stress reduction . When you regularly experience sleeping problems, the Wim Hof Method is a great way to improve your sleep.

Does the Wim Hof breathing method work? ›

One small study found that just a single Wim Hof breathing session led to some significant physiological changes but didn't specifically enhance participants' performance during repeated sprinting exercises.

What is the breathing method of William Hoff? ›

Close your eyes and clear your mind. Inhale deeply through your nose or mouth, while pushing your belly outward. When your lungs are full, let your breath go through the mouth without force. Take 30 such breaths, one right after the other.

How many times can you do the Wim Hof Method per day? ›

Completely relax, calm the mind and release any areas of tension or tingling. Recovery breath When the strong urge to breath arises, take a deep breath in and hold for a count of 10-15 then release. This is one round / cycle Do 3 – 6 rounds of this breathingin a session. You can do as many sessions as you like per day.

Should I do Wim Hof breathing in the morning or at night? ›

Wim Hof suggests that you practice the breathing exercise for 20 minutes every morning. During the rest of the day, remember to bring your attention to your breath. Focus on deeper breathing from the diaphragm. As you progress with the morning practice, you can use the breathing in different ways, at your own pace.

Can you do the Wim Hof Method at home? ›

The method includes three main pillars: breathing exercises, cold exposure, and commitment. While some of the equipment and products that are sold online in connection with the Wim Hof Method may be helpful for some people, it is possible to practice the method at home without purchasing any specialized equipment.

Does Wim breathe through nose or mouth? ›

If possible, loosen any clothes that restrict you from breathing freely. To start, breathe in through your nose, and out through your mouth (lips pursed, as if you are whistling). Let the breath flow as deep as is comfortable into your belly.

When not to do breathwork? ›

10 safety considerations before doing breathwork
  1. Respiratory issues. ...
  2. Cardiovascular issues. ...
  3. Pregnant or breastfeeding. ...
  4. Medication. ...
  5. Recent injury or surgery. ...
  6. Osteoporosis. ...
  7. Vision issues. ...
  8. Severe mental illness.
Oct 17, 2021

Why is Wim Hof breathing so powerful? ›

The Wim Hof Method combines breathing, cold therapy, and commitment to help you connect more deeply to your body. It involves powerful inhalation, relaxed exhalation, and prolonged breath holds. Proponents say the technique can lead to: increased immunity.

What are the three pillars of the Wim Hof Method? ›

There are three pillars at the core of the Wim Hof Method. These pillars are breathing exercises, commitment, and controlled exposure to cold.

What is 888 breathing method? ›

It involves inhaling for 4 seconds, holding your breath for 7 seconds, and exhaling for 8 seconds. Based on an ancient yogic method called pranayama, the technique was developed by Dr. Andrew Weil.

How does the Wim Hof Method improve sleep? ›

For example, it provides stress relief, which is a common cause of sleep deprivation. In addition, it also ensures better focus, lower blood pressure, and a better immune system. All of these benefits will help you sleep like a log.

How long after eating can you do Wim Hof breathing? ›

The only recommendation is to do the breathing exercises on an empty stomach or at least 2 hours after eating.

Is the Wim Hof app free? ›

Experience the app for free, and subscribe to unlock its full potential.

Can breathing techniques help sleep? ›

With practice of slow, deep breathing, one may attenuate this autonomic hyper-arousal and be more relaxed when it is time to sleep.

What are the health benefits of the Wim Hof Method? ›

“It has been shown to help with depression, anxiety, mood, mental focus, and pain management.” The goal of the Wim Hof Method breathing technique is to teach you to develop mastery over your nervous, immune, and cardiovascular systems to help you be happier, stronger, and healthier.

Why does Wim Hof Method feel so good? ›

Scientific studies have proven that Wim Hof Breathing makes your blood more alkaline (less acidic) and causes hypoxia, which is “a form of stress at the cellular level.” This is a positive stressor in this case and can help the body deal with other negative stressors better in the long term in everyday life.

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