Breathing Exercises for Sleep

For more information about Dr. Berg's 3-day intensive program in Alexandria, Virginia, call 703-354-7336.

Get access to this amazing tool to teach you how to breathe correctly for stress reduction and sleep enhancement.

Inhalation is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system and exhalation is controlled by the parasympathetic nervous system. Depending on which system dominates, you can observe through the breathing what's happening inside your body. We always need a balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide release. 

If your adrenals are overstressed, you're breathing will change and you could develop air hunger or a gasping for air yet a quick shallow exhalation. You breathing actually keeps you in a stressed state.

Through a unique pattern of breathing, you can undo this and cause yourself to relax. Breathe in slowly for 5 seconds, then pause for one second. Then breathe out for 5 seconds with a 5-second pause. Continue doing this until your body is fully relaxed.

Make sure you breathe through your stomach, not through your chest.