Home LivingWellnessI tried the Wim Hof breathing hack and I’ve never slept betterWhat is Wim Hof breathing and does it help with sleep?When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Home LivingWellnessI tried the Wim Hof breathing hack and I’ve never slept betterWhat is Wim Hof breathing and does it help with sleep?When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
What is Wim Hof breathing and does it help with sleep?
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Oleksandr P / Pexels)
(Image credit: Oleksandr P / Pexels)
I tried the Wim Hof breathing hack and not only have I never slept better, but I’ve found it easier to feel energised in the morning.
Falling asleep can be tricky for some – which is why many people rely onTikTok sleep hacksto get to sleep at night. However, one thing that’s been tried and tested again and again is breathing techniques, which can have an incredible effect on helping your mind and body relax, ready for sleep.
As someone who writes about sleep for a living, I’ve tested my fair share of breathing techniques, including the4-7-8 breathing hackandfinger breathing. But one breathing exercise that’s been circulating recently is the Wim Hof breathing method.
Wim Hof or ‘The Iceman’ is a Dutch motivational speaker and extreme athlete, who’s probably best known for swimming under ice and his advocacy for cold therapy. He’s also known in the wellness industry for his breathing technique that he states can help improve sleep, reduce stress and air recovery.
Now, I hate being cold so if you want to know more about thebenefits of ice baths, you’re better off asking Wim Hof yourself, but I was more than happy to test out the Wim Hof breathing method. So for a few nights, I got cosy on mybest mattressand gave it a try – here’s what happened.
What is the Wim Hof breathing technique?
To do theWim Hof Method, follow these steps:
1.Lie or sit down in a comfortable position and make sure your stomach can expand freely. Close your eyes and clear your mind.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
2.Take a deep breath in through your nose (or mouth if you find this difficult) while pushing your stomach outwards. Breathe out through your mouth in a relaxed way – don’t force it out.
3.Repeat this for 30 breaths.
4.On your last breath, exhale most of your breath out from your mouth and then hold your breath for as long as you can.
5.Once you feel an urge to breathe, inhale fully and hold your breath for 15 seconds before releasing.
6.Repeat the cycle three - four times.
(Image credit: Elijah Hiett / Unsplash)
(Image credit: Elijah Hiett / Unsplash)
While many people practice this breathing hack before bed, it’s actually recommended to do the Wim Hof Method once you wake up or before a meal. However, it can be adopted into your lifestyle in a way that’s comfortable for you, and Wim Hof suggests playing around with the tempo, number of breaths and cycles so you don’t feel uncomfortable or light headed.
My experience with Wim Hof breathing
I decided to give the Wim Hof breathing hack a try when I was finding it hard to fall asleep one night. Again, while it’s suggested to try the method in the morning rather than the evening, focusing on your breath and the cycles can have a relaxing effect. It might be intense for some people, but I found that it helped calm me down and shift my focus when my mind was racing and I couldn’t fall asleep.
The first time I tried Wim Hof breathing, I found it a little difficult but I enjoyed having something to focus on rather than my inability to sleep. Throughout the testing, I tried to stick to using the method when I’d woken up in the night and couldn’t get back to sleep, and I found this to be the best use of Wim Hof breathing. I found it did help me sleep better and breathe more freely once I’d finished the cycles.
As Wim Hof practices the technique in the morning, I tried it after waking up in the morning and really enjoyed it. It made me feel less stressed, more energised and ready to take on the day. So, while it might not be for everyone, I enjoyed Wim Hof breathing and turn to it when I need to calm my mind in the night and give myself a boost of energy in the morning.
Today’s best Mattresses deals$199$159View$178.60View$195ViewShow More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Mattresses deals$199$159View$178.60View$195ViewShow More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Mattresses deals
$199$159View$178.60View$195View
$199$159View
$199$159View
$199$159View
$199$159
$159
$178.60View
$178.60View
$178.60View
$178.60
$178.60
$195View
$195View
$195View
$195
$195
Show More Deals
Show More Deals
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Samsung Galaxy S25: every leak, rumour and spec we’ve heard before the launch eventThis is everything we’ve heard about the new handsets
This is everything we’ve heard about the new handsets
This case turns your iPhone or Android phone into an e-reader, but there’s a catchActually, there are a couple…
Actually, there are a couple…
Waking up for work is tough in the winter – but smart tech can help you avoid that snooze buttonHow smart tech makes winter mornings run smoother
How smart tech makes winter mornings run smoother
Nutritionist reveals 3 foods you should eat before bed to stay warmStruggling to stay warm during the night? Try eating some of these
Struggling to stay warm during the night? Try eating some of these
Are headbands the new sleep technology trend?
Hatch’s latest sunrise alarm clock finally has a phone-free design – and I’m obsessedHatch launches the Restore 3 wake-up light and it could drastically improve your mornings
Hatch launches the Restore 3 wake-up light and it could drastically improve your mornings
This ERA mattress topper can turn your mattress into a smart sleep tracking deviceThe ERA Smart Layer is my favourite wellness product from CES 2025
The ERA Smart Layer is my favourite wellness product from CES 2025
Withings’ smart mirror combines a smartwatch and scales into a full-length health scannerWithings debuts new conceptual smart health mirror at CES 2025
Withings debuts new conceptual smart health mirror at CES 2025
6 gadgets to get you through Dry JanuaryWith Christmas and New Year out of the way, we take a look at some of the best gadgets to use for Dry January
With Christmas and New Year out of the way, we take a look at some of the best gadgets to use for Dry January
This pillow flip sleep hack can help you beat Christmas insomnia – and it takes secondsIf you love the cold side of the pillow, you’ll love this quick sleep hack
If you love the cold side of the pillow, you’ll love this quick sleep hack
