This one simple exercise is the key to better sleep — believe me, I’m a doctor

health

by david randoseru

While breathing in, count to five.

Now do the same and exhale.

Are you still sleepy?

A social media-savvy Maryland doctor revealed to his 2.2 million TikTok followers that this simple breathing technique is the best way to fall asleep faster after a long, stressful day. .

Dr. Kunal Sood is a prolific poster on topics ranging from the benefits of apple cider vinegar to the dangers of drinking coffee and taking magnesium supplements at the same time (spoiler alert: both are laxatives). and earlier this week there was tongue-lashing over his comments. Tips for those who are having trouble getting on the sleeper train.

“The number one way to improve your sleep is without a doubt through resonant frequency breathing. That’s it,” the unidentified man declared, and Dr. Sood appeared and agreed.

This exercise couldn’t be simpler, and all you need to do is “slow your breath and inhale and exhale to a count of five.”

“This slows your breathing to about six breaths per minute and increases heart rate variability.

“Improving heart rate variability activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which reduces the time it takes to fall asleep and improves sleep quality.

“There are even studies showing that practicing resonant frequency breathing reduces anxiety and improves cognitive performance,” Dr. Sood said.

This doctor’s claim is backed up by the National Institutes of Health, which states that “self-training of resonant breathing reduces stress and blood pressure and improves mood.”