Breathing Techniques and Apps That Help You Sleep

When your brain is spinning faster than a hamster on Red Bull, sleep feels impossible. Racing thoughts, tight chest, restless limbs – it’s like your body wants to sleep, but your mind missed the memo.

That’s where your breath comes in. Breathing is one of the few bodily functions you can consciously control – and when used intentionally, it can flip your nervous system from “fight or flight” to “rest and digest”.

Here’s how to breathe yourself calm – and the apps that make it easier to do when your brain is too tired to think straight.

Why Breathing Works (Like, Actually Works)

Your breath is a direct line to your autonomic nervous system – the part of you that handles all the background processes like heart rate, digestion, and yes, sleep.

When you slow your breath, you signal safety to your brain. This lowers your cortisol (stress hormone), reduces heart rate, and activates your parasympathetic nervous system – the chill one.

The result? You drop out of your head and into your body – the perfect condition for sleep.

1. The 4-7-8 Method

Made popular by Dr. Andrew Weil, this technique is designed to help you fall asleep faster by calming the mind and relaxing the body.

How to do it:

1. Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds

2. Hold the breath for 7 seconds

3. Exhale slowly through your mouth for 8 seconds

4. Repeat for 4 cycles (or more)

Why it works: The extended exhale activates the parasympathetic nervous system, creating a natural sedative effect.

🛏️ Pair it with: DreamDrops – calming botanicals and magnesium to relax your body while you relax your breath.

2. Box Breathing

This technique is used by Navy SEALs to stay calm under pressure – and it works just as well in bed as it does in combat (hopefully your bedroom is a little less intense).

How to do it:

1. Inhale for 4 seconds

2. Hold for 4 seconds

3. Exhale for 4 seconds

4. Hold for 4 seconds

5. Repeat for 3–5 minutes

The even rhythm provides focus for anxious minds, like giving your thoughts a metronome.

🛏️ Best for: Those who need something structured to stay focused.

3. Diaphragmatic (Belly) Breathing

This one is simple, grounding, and seriously underrated. Most of us breathe shallowly from our chest, which keeps us in a mild state of alertness. Belly breathing drops you straight into calm.

How to do it:

1. Lie on your back and place one hand on your belly

2. Inhale deeply through your nose, letting your belly rise

3. Exhale slowly through your nose or mouth, letting the belly fall

4. Repeat for 5–10 minutes

🛏️ Pair it with: A DreamMask for blackout comfort and deeper relaxation.

4. Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana)

An ancient yogic practice, this technique balances the left and right hemispheres of the brain, promoting calm and clarity.

How to do it:

1. Sit comfortably and close your right nostril with your thumb

2. Inhale through the left nostril

3. Close the left nostril with your ring finger, release the right nostril

4. Exhale through the right nostril

5. Inhale through the right nostril

6. Close the right, exhale through the left

7. That’s one cycle – repeat for 3–5 minutes

🛏️ Tip: It can feel a bit weird at first – but give it a chance. It’s surprisingly powerful.

Sleep-Friendly Breathing Apps

When you’re too wired to count, guide, or focus on your own – apps can help. Here are a few that do it well:

🌀 Insight Timer

A free app with thousands of guided meditations, including breath-focused tracks for sleep. Great for variety.

💨 Breathwrk

Visual and audio guides for techniques like 4-7-8 and box breathing. Super easy UI, ideal for beginners.

🌙 Calm

Includes breathing timers, wind-down stories, and sleep soundscapes. Big fan favourite.

📱 Sleepiest

Tailored specifically for sleep, with soothing voices and calming breath visuals.

Set the Scene for Better Results

Breathwork works best when your environment supports it. Here’s how to make your sleep space breathing-friendly:

• Keep the room cool and dark

• Lie on your back or side with proper support (our DreamPosture pillow can help)

• Use mouth tape like DreamTape to promote nasal breathing overnight

• Limit noise distractions – a DreamPod under your pillow can play calming audio without headphones

Final Thought: The Breath Is Always With You

It doesn’t require Wi-Fi, money, or a therapist. Your breath is the one tool you always have with you – and when you learn how to use it intentionally, it can become the difference between a restless night and a restorative one.

So tonight, if your mind won’t shut up – don’t try to think your way out of it. Just breathe.