Breathing exercise for promoting a restful state when sleep deprived

Use cyclic sighing: inhale deeply through your nose, take a second, shorter inhale through your nose, then exhale slowly through your mouth until your lungs are empty. Repeat the cycle for five minutes. 1

1. Five minutes a day: Practicing cyclic sighing for five minutes daily was associated with reduced stress, improved mood, and better sleep. 2
2. Long exhales for relaxation: Longer exhales tend to lower arousal and can help bring on sleep; the sighing breath also engages neural pathways connected with the face and jaw, which may help relax them. 3 4