Sleep trouble are common and affect most people at some point in their lives. Often, the mind is racing or tension in the body contributes to difficulty falling asleep or trouble staying asleep. Yoga can help you relax, unwind, let go of stress, and drift off to a peaceful night’s sleep.
There are certain yoga poses that can help improve sleep. When you have finished getting ready for bed, you can prepare your mind and body for a restful night of sleep with yoga. The following poses are a few to try, if you have trouble falling asleep tonight.
Twists, such as seated spinal twist, reclined twists, and pigeon twist, help to wring the tension and stress out of the body, particularly the spine. This also rids the body of toxins, loosens the hips, and reduces muscle tension in the back.
Cobra pose is a soothing backbend that stretches the upper back, opens the chest and stretches the neck and shoulders. Start off with a few gentle cobras and then move into a deeper stretch to open the heart and let go of tension in the back and shoulders.
Extended puppy pose is a restful pose that calms the body and the mind. To move into extended puppy from child’s pose, move your hands and chest forward on the mat, so your upper body is on the mat and your hips and knees are in alignment with your bottom pointed up toward the ceiling.
Happy Baby Pose is a pose that opens the hips and the lower back. Lying on your back, you bend your knees and lift your feet until the bottoms of the feet are facing the ceiling. Grasp the outer edges of your feet or ankles and pull the legs toward the floor. Rocking back and forth or side to side can release tension and help you settle into this pose.
Savasana, or Corpse Pose – The final relaxation pose is one of the most important poses in your practice. This time at the end of your practice is dedicated to releasing stress, relaxing the muscles of the body, and clearing and relaxing the mind. Spend as much time you want in this final relaxation pose, and follow it up by climbing into your comfortable bed and drifting off to sleep.
If you are using yoga to prepare for sleep, there are a few things to keep in mind. Dress in cool and comfortable clothing, so you won’t have to change before bed. Move slowly in the poses and take five deep and slow breaths in each pose to help you relax. Practice in a comfortable, dimly lit room and use soothing music to help you let go and relax in body, mind and spirit.