Doctor explains why viral TikTok ‘finger breathing’ technique actually works for sleeping

Many of us have been there, tossing and turning late at night, but this simple technique which has been going viral on TikTok may help you finally drift off.

Struggling to sleep is a common affliction, and sometimes, try though you might, you end up running out of sheep to count.

It's little surprise - with the state of the world at the moment, we might be more anxious than usual, or have any number of personal worries playing on our minds as we try and catch some shut eye.

But Dr James Parker of the Everett Clinic has come up with a suggestion which might help people who just can't sleep.

Dr Parker described it as a 'technique to calm yourself if you’re feeling particularly anxious'.

So, how does it work?

Many people struggle to get to sleep (Oscar Wong/Getty stock photo)

Finger breathing explained

The sleep technique is called 'five finger breathing', and starts with you getting comfortable sitting or lying down.

Once you're settled, you have one hand which is a 'base' hand, and the other one as a 'tracing' hand.

Place your 'base' hand out in front of you with the fingers spread out.

Then, with the index finger on your 'trace' hand, trace up the outside of your thumb, breathing in through your nose as you do so.

When you trace back down on the other side, breathe out through your mouth.

You then repeat this coordinated breathing and tracing rhythm until you've done all of the hands.

So effectively, you're creating a rhythm between your breathing while you move around your hand, trying to get everything moving together calmly.

Speaking to the Cleveland Clinic, Dr Judith Scheman said: “Patients report that [finger breathing] helps them sleep through the night, sometimes even in the hospital”.

But what if five-finger breathing doesn't work for you?

Try this if you can't drift off (SimpleImages/getty stock photo)

Other methods to help you sleep

There are other things you can do to give yourself the best chance of getting off to sleep in good time.

A big one is trying to avoid using any screens for an hour or so before you go to bed.

Turning off the TV, putting your phone away and doing something else that doesn't involve a screen, for example, reading a book, listening to a podcast or audiobook, some sort of craft like knitting, or meditation, might all help.

Otherwise, having good quality pillows to make sure you're nice and comfortable, or having a soothing drink such as camomile tea might help.

Experts also recommend not looking at the clock, as this can increase your stress levels.