As the nights get longer and the wind blows harder, getting to sleep is becoming more and more difficult.

If you are struggling to get some rest, ditch counting sheep and give this breathing technique a try. Experts have said this technique could help you fall asleep in just under a minute.

The 4-7-8 technique is a breathing method that helps to lower your heart rate, induce relaxation and give you a feeling of calm.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to practice the 4-7-8 method:

1. Put your tongue on the gum above your upper teeth and keep it there for the exercise.
2. While making a "wooosh" noise exhale through your mouth.
3. Close your mouth and inhale through your nose to a mental count of four.
4. Exhale through your mouth while making a mental count of eight.
5. Exhale again and repeat the cycle three more times for a total of four complete breaths.

Here's the science, this method is designed to relax you by slowing your heart rate, increasing the amounts of oxygen in your blood stream and releasing more carbon dioxide than normal from your lungs.

Medical professional Dr. Michelle E. Gordon, tried it and although she was unsuccessful she described feeling calm following the method, “The breath does elicit a sense of relaxation and calm. I teach it to my patients as a means of keeping calm when having anxiety over surgery or post-operative anxiety. It works.” reported Medical Daily.

While another doctor Andrew Weil said, "it produces a very pleasant altered state of consciousness. You may not get that the first time you do it but it’s one of the benefits of practicing.” reported the Manchester Evening News.

Hopefully this helps get you guys some shut eye!