Having trouble sleeping? Doctor finds amazing breathing technique that will help you sleep within 60 seconds

Dr Andrew Weill calls his method 4-7-8

People with severe anxiety, stress and insomnia can now practice a 4-7-8 breathing technique, pioneered by Harvard-trained Doctor Andrew Weill, to help them relax and fall into good sleep in just 60-seconds.

MUNTINLUPA, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - According to Dr. Weill, the technique regulates breathing and enables oxygen better fill the lungs, calming both body and mind. By reducing the tension in the body, this "natural tranquilizer for the nervous system" method stems from the Indian practice of pranayama, meaning regulation of breath.

"It is utterly simple, takes almost no time, requires no equipment and can be done anywhere," said Dr. Weill in a video uploaded in his YouTube channel.

First, with a "whoosh" sound, exhale through the mouth. Then, with mouth closed, inhale quietly through the nose, counting mentally to four. For a count of seven, hold the breath and then exhale through the mouth making a loud whoosh sound for eight seconds.

Inhale again and repeat the cycle three times with total of four breaths.

Dr. Weill noted that it is to exhale through the mouth with a sound but to inhale with mouth-closed quietly while the tongue stays on its position the whole time of practice.

"Exhalation takes twice as long as inhalation," he said. "The absolute time you spend on each phase is not important; the ratio of 4-7-8 is important."

He explained that the extra amount of oxygen relaxes the parasympathetic nervous system and induces calmness, according to the Daily Mail.

The 4-7-8 technique helps the person feel more connected to his/her own body and temporarily shifts away from the thoughts of the day which activates stresses and disturbes the sleep. Dr. Weill claims his technique helps reduce anxiety.

"I tried it and immediately felt better," wrote one commenter on the YouTube video.

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