5 Scientifically Proven Ways to Fall Asleep Faster

2. Do the 4-7-8 breathing technique

A lot of breathing techniques seem to be hit-and-miss. Most of them seem to impart some kind of placebo effect on their users. On the other hand, this one technique has been proven by many to actually work. The best part? It takes just a minute to work. Here’s how it’s done: breathe into the count of four, hold your breath to the count of seven and then breathe out for the count of eight. Repeat the process if you need to. This technique works because holding your breath has a calming effect on the parasympathetic nervous system and it helps calm your brain, allowing you to drift off to sleep.