In our modern-day lives filled with hectic schedules, constant stimuli, and the pressures of everyday responsibilities, getting sufficient, restorative sleep often takes a backseat. However, sleep is not merely a period of rest; it’s a vital component of overall health and well-being. Adequate sleep plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including cognitive function, emotional regulation, immune system function, and metabolic processes. Yet, despite its importance, millions struggle to attain the recommended seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night. Luckily, there are things you can do to help.
Enter Dr. Kunal Sood, a double-certified MD whose insights on TikTok have garnered attention. In a recent video, Dr. Sood underscores the significance of quality sleep and introduces a powerful tool for enhancing it: resonance frequency breathing. This breathing technique, when practiced consistently, has shown remarkable potential in improving sleep quality and overall health. Find all the details below.
@doctorsood Have you tried this to help you sleep? #sleep #sleeptips original sound – DoctorSood, M.D.
Resonance Frequency Breathing
The video begins with a clip of an individual stating, “The number one way to improve sleep, just hands down, is resonance frequency breathing.” If you’re not sure what that is, you’re not alone—but it’s a lot simpler than it may sound, as Dr. Sood explains in the TikTok.
Dr. Sood delves into the mechanics and benefits of this technique, shedding light on its profound impact on sleep architecture and overall well-being. “If you have trouble sleeping, resonance frequency breathing can help,” he says. “This is slowing down your breathing. It’s done by inhaling and exhaling for a count of five. This will slow your breathing down to a rate of about six breaths per minute and will increase your heart rate variability.”
Increasing heart rate variability (HRV) is crucial because it activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for promoting a state of calm and relaxation in the body. According to Dr. Sood, “When you improve your heart rate variability, this will activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which will help decrease your sleep onset and improve your sleep quality.”
The benefits of resonance frequency breathing extend beyond just better sleep. Dr. Sood points out, "There is even research which shows that practicing resonance frequency breathing can reduce your anxiety and improve your cognitive performance." This means that by incorporating this technique into your daily routine, you can not only enhance your sleep but also improve your overall mental well-being. Dr. Sood's advice is backed by scientific research that underscores the positive impact of controlled breathing on the nervous system.
All in all, for those struggling with insomnia or poor sleep quality, adopting resonance frequency breathing could be a game-changer. The technique is simple, requires no special equipment, and can be practiced anywhere. By making a small effort to focus on your breath and slowing it down to a count of five, you can set yourself up for a better night's sleep and improved overall health.
So, next time you find yourself tossing and turning, remember the advice from Dr. Sood's advice and start counting your breaths.
READ MORE: A Sleep Expert Tells Us How To Sleep Through The Night Over 50
