If somatic breathwork can stimulate the vagus nerve and trigger the nervous system to enter restful, relaxed "rest and digest" mode, it only makes sense that it would also help to facilitate healthier sleep. While these facts are true, they actually aren't the only reason you can count on getting better sleep after you start practicing somatic breathwork. There is evidence that using intentional breathing to regulate the nervous system can trigger the production of melatonin in the brain.
Melatonin, known as the "sleep hormone," is essential to falling and remaining asleep. While you can purchase synthetic melatonin in supplement form, taking it can result in a number of side effects, including headaches, dizziness, and next-day drowsiness. The longer a person experiences insomnia, the less melatonin their body produces. This can lead to the consumption of higher doses of melatonin and increased severity of side effects. Many people eventually resort to habit-forming pharmaceutical sleep aids. That escalation may be avoided by turning to breathwork.
