This World Sleep Day try finger breathing on your little one

World Sleep Day is on the 15th and this year's theme is 'Sleep Equity for Global Health'

In an effort to support the theme of the year sleep experts at MattressOnline have a technique that you can use.

This finger breathing method can be beneficial for little ones struggling to settle themselves for bed, or teenagers losing sleep over exam season.

What is finger breathing? 

Finger breathing is a form of self-hypnosis that can be used to bring you back into a calmer and more rational state of mind during times of anxiety or restlessness.

It involves a combination of touch and controlled breathing, cycling through a series of finger holds and hand movements whilst focusing on inhaling and exhaling deeply.

Studies have shown that effectively controlling your breathing can not only help you relax mentally but also promotes the release of melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep.

How to practise finger breathing 

• Start by lying or sitting down in a comfortable position. Relax your breathing by inhaling more deeply and slower than you would normally.
• Bring the fingers and thumb of one hand together in a relaxed pinched position. Using your other hand, cup and loosely rest your bunched fingertips in your palm. Count five relaxed breaths while keeping your hands in this position. Swap hands and count five breaths again.
• Next, make a thumbs up with one hand and then wrap the fingers of the other hand around the opposing thumb. 
• Loosely hold your thumb while you count 5 relaxed breaths. Then swap hands and count five breaths again.
• Repeat this process on the rest of your fingers, i.e. wrap the fingers of one hand around your opposing index finger and hold for 5 relaxed breaths, before switching hands and repeating the process.
• For a visual understanding on finger breathing, you and your family can watch here.

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