4 · 6
Wind-down
A longer breath out than in, six breaths a minute. A gentle way to slow down.
The default in Lighter. The light rises for four seconds and fades for six.
Learn
Breathing rhythms, explained.
Lighter comes with six breathing rhythms, often called breathing patterns, and you can set your own. Here’s what each one is, and how the light follows it. There’s no single pace that suits everyone, so choose the one that feels comfortable.
5 · 5
Coherent
Equal breaths in and out, six a minute. A steady, even rhythm.
The light rises and falls in equal halves, like a slow tide.
4 · 8
Slow
A breath out twice as long as the breath in, five breaths a minute. Long and unhurried.
The fade is twice as long as the rise, so most of each breath is spent letting go.
2 + 1 · 6
Sighing
Two breaths in through the nose, the second a short top-up, then one long, slow breath out.
The light rises, lifts a little more for the top-up, then fades slowly.
4 · 4 · 4 · 4
Box
In, hold, out, hold, all the same length. An even, square rhythm.
The light rises, stays bright, fades, then rests in the dark before the next breath.
4 · 7 · 8
4-7-8
In for 4, hold for 7, then a slow breath out for 8. A long, quiet pause in every breath.
The light rises, stays bright through the hold, then fades for eight seconds.
Your own rhythm
In Breathe you can set your own timing: how long you breathe in, an optional top-up, how long you hold, how long you breathe out and how long you rest before the next breath. The light follows whatever you choose.
With Lighter Plus you can save your own rhythms under a name, and pick them again next time like any other.
A few gentle notes
- Follow a rhythm only as long as it feels comfortable. You can always go back to breathing naturally.
- Holding your breath can make some people light-headed. If you feel dizzy, breathe normally and stop.
- Sleep uses plain breaths in and out, without holds, so it stays easy as you wind down.
Curious about the research on slow breathing? Read the science section.
Lighter is a wellness app for breathing, relaxation and winding down. It is not a medical device and does not diagnose or treat any condition.