Yoga Poses to Promote Better Sleep

With its roots in ancient tradition, yoga skillfully blends physical movements, breathing exercises, and relaxation or meditation. Nowadays, getting quality sleep can be challenging due to stress and anxiety. This is where yoga is a natural solution to improve sleep quality.

The physical practice of yoga is fantastic for easing body tension and cutting down stress, which are common obstacles to good sleep. Its meditative side enhances mindfulness and reduces mental noise, setting the stage for a smoother transition into sleep.

For maximum effect, make your bedroom a tranquil haven. Dim the lights to set a calm mood. Consider lighting a lavender candle or using a diffuser with a relaxing essential oil mix to enhance the ambiance. Have your yoga mat or a cozy rug ready, and keep a pillow or bolster close by for extra support in some yoga poses.

Yoga Poses for Sleep Enhancement

1. Reversed Leg Wall Rest

This restful pose helps drain leg fatigue and calms the nervous system.

• Begin by sitting alongside the wall.
• Pivot your body to elevate your legs against the wall, laying your back on the ground.
• Let your arms rest open, palms skyward.
• Maintain the position for 5-10 minutes, focusing on the rhythm of your breathing.

2. Child’s Pose

A pose of surrender and relaxation helps quiet the mind and ease stress.

• Kneel on your mat with your toes together and knees hip-width apart.
• Fold forward, resting your torso between your thighs and forehead on the mat.
• Stretch your arms forward, or let them relax by your sides.
• Stay for 3-5 minutes, breathing deeply.

3. Standing Forward Bend

This pose helps to calm the brain, alleviate stress, and stretch the hamstrings.

• Stand with feet hip-width apart, exhale, and hinge at your hips to fold forward.
• Keep knees slightly bent if you feel any strain in your lower back.
• Let your head hang heavily, releasing neck tension.
• Hold for 1-3 minutes.

4. Corpse Pose

Although it seems simple, it is a powerful pose for deep relaxation.

• Lie flat on your back, legs extended, arms relaxed at your sides, palms facing up.
• Close your eyes and mentally scan your body, releasing any remaining tension.
• Remain in the pose for 5-10 minutes, allowing your body to feel heavy and supported by the earth.

5. Reclining Butterfly

This pose can help open the hips and relax the inner thighs, where we often hold tension.

• Lie on your back, bring the soles of your feet together, and let your knees fall open to create a diamond shape with your legs.
• Place one hand on your heart and one on your belly.
• Stay for 5-10 minutes, feeling the rise and fall of your breath.

Breathing Techniques

Incorporate calming breathing exercises such as the 4-7-8 technique, where you inhale for four counts, hold for seven counts, and exhale for eight counts. This exercise can be done in any pose or in bed as you prepare to fall asleep.

Consistency is key. Try to perform these poses in the same order every night as part of your wind-down routine. Over time, your body will associate these poses with sleep, making the transition to slumber more seamless.

Yoga is not a quick fix but a practice that deepens over time, yielding more incredible benefits as you integrate it into your life. By establishing a nightly yoga routine, you’re not just investing in better sleep for one night but nurturing a habit that can enhance your overall well-being.

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"Information courtesy of www.mebykatie.com, Katie Marshall is a certified Medical Esthetician, Acne Specialist, Functional Nutrition Counsellor, Holistic Chef, and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. Specializing in skin health, gut health, hormone health, and the whole body. The basic premise is that functional nutrition gets to the root of the problem and resolves the actual problem. This is different from conventional medicine which is about prescribing multiple meds to deal with symptoms, with little regard for resolving the root cause of the symptoms. Functional nutrition is more personalized, customized, and holistic. My job is to work in tandem with your medical team and be an advocate for you if necessary."  

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