This works I've just read it in a over 60's magazine..I do it every night..

Posted , 5 users are following.

Whether you find it hard to fall asleep, repeatedly wake for your slumber at annoying hours, or toss and turn all night, the “4-7-8” breathing trick will be your godsend. It simply involves breathing in through your nose for four seconds, holding your breath for seven seconds, and exhaling through your mouth for eight seconds. The studied combination of numbers has a chemical-like effect on the brain, and slows one’s heart rate and soothes one to sleep. 

1 like, 17 replies

17 Replies

Next
  • Posted

    Morning Christie

    Wow....will give that a try tonight !! biggrin

    • Posted

      Good evening Bee,

      great....anything is worth a try......this is the only way I ever get off to sleep...even if I get up for the toilet in the night, I go back to bed and if needed..I just to it again...I was shocked that something soooo easy actually works..better still it's FREE..lol..have a lovely day, it's 6.45pm..after the news..it's DVD time for us...mmm..not soooo exciting is it?......it's been raining on and off today, so a DVD is required..:-) xxxxrolleyes

    • Posted

      Well during my CBT I have had breathing was one of the key points.  It's just remembering to do it regularly when trying to sleep and to switch off from the days activities.

      Must remember to get into a routine but agree it can help, just got to master the technique.

      It's a sunny morning here so far in West London. Enjoy your DVD. lol

    • Posted

      Glad it sunny where you are...I heard this breathing info years ago from a speech therapist ....just off the cuff....didn't bother much with it..seemed too simple then years later in I was having real difficulties fall to sleep, and I remembered what she told me...so I tried it...wow!!! do it all the time now..guess I got desperate enough to give it a try..knowing how much a good sleep helps Fibro....have a lovely weekend Bee, you may get a sunny one?!?!?! Be blessed..:-) xxx
    • Posted

      Will definitely give it a try tonight.  Although I am still full of a cold.  Off to work now so will catch up with you later. Enjoy your evening and hope you have a brighter weekend. lol x
    • Posted

      Hiya Bee, do hope your cold is on the mend..also hope the breathing technique worked for you...have a lovely weekend, be blessed..:-) xxx

      beautiful morning. down under..lots of birds singing..it's 22 degrees Celsius..lovely and clear..in for a great weekend....

    • Posted

      Hi Christine

      I did try the breathing technique last night and it helped a little but kept getting disturbed with my awful cough throughout the night.  Hopefully one my cold clears up, I will benefit more with my sleep.

      Thanks once again for the advice. biggrin x

    • Posted

      Glad you tried it Bee...I get bad bronchial Asthma especially when the season changes...I have to go on a cortisone course, the machine..also 2 different puffers-which I take everyday anyway, but when I'm having an episode I am exactly the same..my coughing is soo loud too it jerks my husband out if his sleep and he has to sleep in another bedroom.lol..so I know what you mean...be blessed...rotten colds..:-) xxxx
  • Posted

    Morning christine

    I will definitely give this a try tonight, after a very restless night, I am exhausted today! Not such a good day today, even my clothes hurt me today neutral Never mind, the sun is out here, so I will try and wrap up and take the dog for a walk later.

    All the best, hope you have a reasonable day today. Enjoy your DVD biggrin

    • Posted

      The DVD was great...morning here now 22degrees Celsius..going to be a lovely weekend..hope your is too, hope the breathing worked well..  have a lovely weekend..be blessed :-) xxx
  • Posted

    I agree Christine. I once read a book about overcoming fear, and they advised breathing in for 5secs, hold for 5 exhale for 5. I use this at night, but will try your combination too.  Thanks.
    • Posted

      It's morning here, so I really hope your having a great sleep., have a lovely weekend...be blessed :-)xx
  • Posted

    Hi Christine

    I have been using this breathing technique for years.  It is actually a yoga exercise wich I used to practice, it helped me over 40 years ago when I was having my children, as I couldn't use gas and air. My children use it as well when they need to relax.    Keep it up also try it when you feel anxious or worried about something.

     

    • Posted

      Yes I do the breathing technique whenever I'm a bit anxious too, it's awsome, never new that yoga used it as well ...(actually I've never done yoga). apparently it cuts of the oxygen to the brain, and when you breathe out again through your mouth that just stops and makes you relaxed..my daughter just said to me" do know why you do it..and what it actually does for you" I said..yeah it relaxes me..lol..she told me about the brain...she's a clinical nurse lecturer doing a PhD..mmm terrible whenever we are talking about anything medical...then comes the non understandable medical terns.....grr ..have a lovely day Jeannie..be blessed:-) xxx
    • Posted

      Hi Jeannie

      I used to do yoga and did find the breathing techniques quite relaxing. I need to do it more on a regular basis myself. cheesygrin

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.