The 4 7 8 method never helps my nighttime anxiety, 3 experts explain why and the breathing exercise to try instead to fall asleep fast

Woman sat cross-legged on the floor performing a breathing exercise with her eyes closed.

As the Sleep Features Editor for Tom’s Guide, I know how effective breathing methods can be for falling asleep. Whether it’s falling asleep fast in the evening or falling back asleep after having woken up, breathing techniques can work wonders.

Especially for people like me who have an anxious mind. If I wake in the night or I can’t sleep, my mind and heart races.