Having trouble sleeping? You’re not alone! You are one of many people in the States that suffer from sleep issues, ranging from broken sleep right through to insomnia. Recent research also tells us that lack of sleep can mean higher chances of stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Yoga has become a popular and effective way of relaxing and helping people sleep better. So, we thought we would put together a beginners’ guide to yoga and sleep – it could be just the thing you need to deal with those restless nights!
Yoga for sleeplessness
Yoga is an ancient Hindu discipline that has become an increasingly popular practice for people worldwide. Yoga practice can have many positive effects on our health and wellbeing. One of the beautiful and most powerful things about yoga is the ability to become mindful by taking control of your breath. These mindful, meditative qualities of yoga are key in letting go of the heavy layers of your day in a bid to be present in the moment. That’s why yoga and sleep are the perfect partners!
Yoga poses to induce sleep
There are many variations of yoga but they are predominantly made up of the same basic poses. Whether you are looking for yoga to induce sleep or just a way to wind down from work, our top three restorative poses can be used in your bedtime routine and will help you relax each evening. For each pose, you will want to prepare the area for your practice. Ensure you have enough space to stretch out and use
pillows and blankets to get as comfortable as possible. Sitting on your bed is a great option but a soft floor or an exercise mat will work just as well.
Balasana (Child’s Pose)
Start by kneeling on the floor. Use your soft pillows to cushion your knees if needed. Touch your big toes together and sit on your heels, then separate your knees about as wide as your hips. As you exhale press your body between your thighs. Lay your hands on the floor alongside your torso, palms up. Relax into this pose for at least five minutes. This is the perfect first pose for your bedtime yoga to help you sleep.
Salabhasana (Locust Pose)
Start by lying down flat on your front with your hands outstretched overhead. Taking slow breaths through the nose, grab hold of your hands behind your back and then with a deep inhale, lift your chest and arms. Gaze forward and hold for 5 breaths in and out.
Savasana (Corpse pose)
Savasana looks like the simplest yoga pose, but its difficulty is often underestimated. The main objective of Savasana is total relaxation which is what makes it the most challenging. Start by lying back on your mat or the bed, with your arms either side of you and palms facing upwards. Hold this pose for anywhere between five and ten minutes. Try to be mindful of your breathing. Concentrate on your breath in and out through the nose. If you want to take this pose further, then try listening to a guided meditation which will help you keep a mindful state for longer periods.
We hope that these yoga poses for sleep go some way to relieving your insomnia and helping deliver a peaceful night’s rest. These tips on using yoga to help you sleep are just part of our recommended bedtime routine and we have more great tips on
improving your sleep posture. The biggest thing to remember when practicing yoga for deep sleep is to create a comfortable yoga haven in your bedroom, and we have some
beautiful soft wool bedding to do just that.
Namaste yogis!