4-7-8 Relaxing vs Physiological Sigh
Both promise calm. One takes a couple of minutes, the other takes two breaths.
The short answer
4-7-8 Relaxing is exhale-weighted — 8s out against 4s in, holding 7s of the 19s cycle. Physiological Sigh is exhale-weighted — 6s out against 4s in. 4-7-8 Relaxing builds a timed hold into every cycle; Physiological Sigh runs as continuous breathing, so the guided pattern never pauses. A session runs 76s against 50s. Both are rated beginner.
Side by side
| 4-7-8 Relaxing | Physiological Sigh | |
|---|---|---|
| Pattern (seconds) | 4-7-8 | 3-1-6 |
| Rounds | 4 | 5 |
| Session length | 76s | 50s |
| Best for | Sleep | Calm |
| Level | Beginner | Beginner |
| Not suitable for | No listed restriction | No listed restriction |
Choose 4-7-8 Relaxing if
Deep relaxation. Inhale 4, hold 7, exhale 8. Best for sleep. Promotes deep sleep.
Practise 4-7-8 Relaxing with a guided timer
Choose Physiological Sigh if
Double inhale + long exhale. Fastest way to calm down. Best for calm. Fastest stress relief.
Practise Physiological Sigh with a guided timer
Other comparisons
Box Breathing vs 4-7-8 Relaxing · Box Breathing vs Physiological Sigh · Wim Hof Style Breathing vs 4-7-8 Relaxing · 4-7-8 Relaxing vs Bhramari (Humming Bee) · Resonance Breathing vs 4-7-8 Relaxing
This is general information, not medical advice.