The breath can be one of our most powerful tools in the quest for optimum vitality and well being. And it's even more so when it's our sleep that needs healing.
However, it's important to understand that the breath of sleep is markedly different from the breath of waking. Understanding this paradox is one of the keys to getting the deep, restful sleep we need.
When we're awake and active, our breath volume is at its highest, as much as five or six liters per breath during vigorous exercise. At rest, breath volume declines considerably, to perhaps half a liter. Lie down, and it drops even further. Then, at sleep onset, breath volume sinks another 15%. At the same time, there is a shift away from diaphragmatic breathing toward more "costal" breathing in which there is relatively greater movement of the ribs and chest.
Now, many people consider "deep diaphragmatic breathing" to be a kind of panacea, a cure for all diseases. But, as we've just seen, the breath of sleep is neither deep nor diaphragmatic. We may never have noticed this, but our body knows it perfectly well. Every time we fall asleep, our breath automatically makes that shift, whether we know it or not.
How, then, should we breathe to enable easy sleep? Just breathe naturally. That's easy! As you breathe in, simply allow your breath to arrive. As you breathe out, just let it go. Allow your breath be light, easy, soft, and unhurried.
When you do that, the innate wisdom of the body and breath determines how much breath you need from one moment to the next. In that way, you are setting the scene for peaceful, restorative sleep.
Light, easy, natural breathing is the foundation of all of the sleep-inducing techniques of the Sounder Sleep System. The system's gentle, slow, physical movements and unique mental focusing techniques will lull you to sleep before you know it. If you awaken during the night, those same techniques will get you back to sleep quickly and easily. These are invaluable tools for deeper, more restful sleep.
Whether you suffer from insomnia or merely want to achieve deeper, more restful sleep, the Sounder Sleep System can help you sleep better, feel better, and enjoy life more. We call it "The Golden Key to Better Sleep."
To learn the basics of the Sounder Sleep System, we recommend our REST ASSURED Audio Self-Help Program, now available for instant download.
To train as a Sleep Coach and Sleep Educator, please consider joining our Professional Study Group leading to Authorization as a Teacher of the Sounder Sleep System.
Sounder Sleep System® is a trademark of Michael Krugman.
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