Falling asleep has never been easier: how lunar breathing can outshine sleeping pills

Sleep is a fundamental human need. Each of us should aim for 7-8 hours of uninterrupted rest each night, allowing our bodies to regenerate. Unfortunately, a growing number of people struggle with getting to sleep, leading to various negative effects on our overall health and well-being. We find ourselves becoming less resilient, easily fatigued, and irritable; even simple tasks seem to require immense strength and energy.

What's the solution to this frustrating problem? To begin with, we need to identify its root cause. It could be stress, fatigue, anxiety, depression, a lack of physical activity, or poor sleep habits. Here, we present a method that facilitates the journey to slumber. It's not a magic pill, but it is surprisingly simple and effective.

In today's world, stress, demanding work schedules, fast-paced living, and a plethora of responsibilities can significantly impact sleep quality. When evening arrives and we finally get a moment to catch our breath, our bodies seize the opportunity to demand our attention, which often prevents us from falling asleep. How can we break free from this cycle of intrusive thoughts? The answer could be lunar breathing, an innovative meditative practice aimed at enabling you to relax into sleep.

So, how do you perform this form of meditation? Relax and sit back. Inhale slowly and deeply. Close your right nostril and then slowly exhale through your left nostril. The inhalation and exhalation rhythms should be consistent and equal in duration. During this meditation, try not to think about anything. Focus solely on your breath. After about five minutes, your body will be saturated with oxygen, your blood pressure will decrease, and your heart rate will stabilize, making it easier for you to drift off.

Last year, a group of scientists researched the impact of breath meditation. They enlisted 30 test subjects who, subsequent to their meditative session, were hooked up to an EEG machine. Their findings were striking. The back of the brain, the area that controls relaxation, showed the highest level of activity, lending weight to the effectiveness of this form of meditation.

Their second study also confirmed their belief in the power of this unique meditative practice. The researchers asked 149 students to practice left-nostril breathing for one month. After four weeks, the students reported that they fell asleep much quicker and their sleep was substantially more profound.