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4-7-8 for sleep

In four, hold seven, out eight. Do it lying down.

Ready

3 minutes

3:00

Stop and breathe normally if you feel dizzy.

What it is

A long hold and a very long exhale, repeated a handful of times.

The very long out-breath is what tips most people over into drowsy. It works best when you are already in bed.

How to do it

  1. 1Lie down, tongue resting behind the top teeth.
  2. 2In through the nose for four, hold for seven, out through the mouth for eight.
  3. 3Four to eight rounds. Then stop and let sleep come.

Before you start

  • Keep it comfortable. Breath work should never feel like straining; shorten the counts before you force them.
  • Do not practise this standing or driving — it can make you woozy.

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