Box Breathing for Sleep Apnea | Optimal Circadian Health

Box Breathing for Sleep Apnea

Are you searching for the best natural remedies for sleep apnea? One of the best strategies you can adopt for your sleep apnea is to control your breath with techniques like Bhramari pranayama for sleep apnea.

Another breathing therapy for sleep apnea is box breathing. It is an easy but powerful breathing technique that can help you relax your mind and sleep.

How to Practice Box Breathing

Box breathing follows a rhythmic, square-like pattern–much like drawing a box. Sometimes referred to as ‘square breathing,’ it’s one of the easiest breathing exercises to master. 

Box breathing can calm your nervous system when it runs wild or be used when you simply want to avoid having a restless night of sleep. Are you ready for how easy it is? Here’s how it works:

  • Breathe in for four seconds.
  • Pause. Hold your breath for another four seconds.
  • Release your breath for another four seconds.
  • Hold for another four seconds.
  • Then, repeat the process as many times as needed.

To try it out, find a comfortable spot and lay down on your back. With one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach, breathe in and out. Pay attention to how your body rises and falls under your hands. This is when you know you’re taking full, deep breaths.

The process itself is more important than the number of seconds you inhale and exhale. If three seconds is more your speed, try that.

How Box Breathing Helps Sleep

Box breathing slows your heart rate and sends signals to your brain to switch from the sympathetic nervous system to the parasympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic nervous system is in charge of your rest.

This exercise has a number of health benefits, too–it:

  • Lowers blood pressure
  • Eases stress and anxiety
  • Calms your nervous system
  • Balances oxygen levels
  • Promotes relaxation

Breathe New Life Into Your Sleep Routine

Sleep Apnea Solution by Dr. Dylan Petkus introduces you to our unique approach to sleep apnea. Combining breathing techniques with a healthy lifestyle (eating good food, getting regular exercise, and cutting out unhealthy habits) is likely to make the greatest impact on your sleep apnea struggles. 

Sleep Apnea Solution comes with a number of resources designed to help you boost natural breathing at night and enhance your sleep, including:

  • A sleep apnea assessment
  • Sleep environment checklist
  • Nutritional tips 
  • Guided breathing exercises
  • Nervous system reset

Sleeping doesn’t have to be a nightmare. By making some subtle lifestyle changes and practicing natural breathing, you could be on your way to sweet dreams in no time!

Dr. Dylan Petkus

Dylan Petkus, MD, MPH, MS

Dr. Dylan Petkus, author of the #1 Amazon Best Seller Sleep Apnea Solution, is on a mission to help people overcome their health issues like sleep apnea so they are not limited by their condition or trapped by options that don’t provide full resolution.

He earned his Master’s of Science in Physiology at Pennsylvania State University where he was awarded a research fellowship and was a peer-reviewed published author. He went on to earn both his Master’s in Public Health and Medical Degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Thereafter, he specialized in Family Medicine to help patients on the front-line of chronic disease.

Having overcome his own health challenges, including sleep apnea,  he strives to help empower others to live fuller, healthier lives.

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