How Driftlight Works

Why slow breathing?

When we're stressed or alert, our breathing often becomes quicker and shallower.

Slowing your breathing is one of the simplest and most widely used relaxation techniques. Research suggests that slow, controlled breathing can reduce feelings of stress and help encourage a calmer physiological state. Many breathing exercises used for relaxation follow a rhythm of around five to six breaths per minute, although the ideal pace varies between individuals.

Driftlight offers a small selection of breathing rhythms, so you can choose a pace that feels comfortable rather than having to follow a single fixed tempo.

Driftlight simply provides a gentle visual rhythm to follow. There's nothing to count and nothing to remember.

Breathing rhythms

Driftlight includes a small selection of rhythms for different preferences. Choose a slower or faster version of the signature Driftlight rhythm, or try a structured breathing pattern such as 4-7-8.

The light does the timing for you: it brightens as you breathe in and dims as you breathe out. When a pattern includes a hold, the light simply remains still until it's time to breathe out.

Why use light?

Many breathing apps rely on spoken instructions, meditation sessions or sound.

Driftlight takes a different approach.

A slowly brightening and dimming light provides a simple visual cue that naturally guides your breathing while keeping the experience quiet and distraction-free.

There's no narration, no music and nothing competing for your attention, just a gentle rhythm that gradually becomes part of the room.

Do I need to keep watching it?

No, and that's intentional.

Driftlight isn't designed to hold your attention.

Follow the light for as long as it feels natural. Once you've settled into a comfortable rhythm, simply close your eyes.

If you fall asleep before the light fades, it's doing exactly what it was designed to do.

Make it your own

Everyone's bedtime routine is different.

Choose a colour that feels right for your room, find a breathing rhythm that feels comfortable, adjust the brightness and set a fade timer that fits your routine.

Start with one of Driftlight's carefully chosen colours or create your own. The goal isn't to create the brightest light. It's to create an atmosphere that helps you unwind.

Why this approach?

Driftlight is inspired by established breathing techniques that have been studied for their role in relaxation and stress reduction.

Research suggests that slow breathing may:

• Help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety
• Encourage relaxation before sleep
• Support the body's natural relaxation response
• Improve subjective sleep quality when practised regularly before bedtime

The research into slow breathing continues to evolve, and results vary between individuals.

Driftlight is intended as a simple wellbeing tool to support relaxation before sleep. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any medical condition, and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice.