In our fast-paced and demanding world, getting a good night’s sleep can be difficult. Stress, anxiety, and other factors can all interfere with our sleep patterns, leaving us exhausted and depleted. Yoga, thankfully, provides a natural and effective way to promote better sleep. You can relax your body, calm your mind, and improve your sleep quality by incorporating specific yoga poses and exercises into your bedtime routine. The five yoga poses and exercises listed below can help you sleep better at night.
1. Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose)
Supta Baddha Konasana, or Reclining Bound Angle Pose, is a great yoga pose for relaxing the body and opening the hips. It promotes relaxation and is especially useful for people who have tight hips or lower back tension.
How to Practise:
- Start by sitting with your legs outstretched in front of you.
- Bend your knees and bring your feet’s soles together, allowing your knees to fall outward.
- Lower your back slowly to the ground, using a cushion or yoga block as needed.
- Keep your hands by your sides.
- Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and concentrate on relaxing your entire body.
- Hold this position for 5-10 minutes, or as long as you are comfortable.
Supta Baddha Konasana relaxes the hips and groins, making it easier to let go of the stresses of the day and prepare for a restful night’s sleep.
2. Viparita Karani (Legs Up the Wall Pose)
Viparita Karani, also known as the Legs Up the Wall Pose, is a restorative yoga pose that promotes relaxation while also lowering stress and anxiety. This pose is especially good for relaxing the nervous system and increasing circulation.
How to practice:
- Stand with your right hip against the wall, knees bent, and feet flat on the floor.
- Lie on your back and gently pivot your body up the wall, extending your legs.
- Keep your hands by your sides.
- To relax into the pose, close your eyes and take slow, deep breaths.
- Hold this position for 5–15 minutes.
Viparita Karani aids in the drainage of excess fluid from the legs and the reduction of swelling. It also aids in the relaxation of the nervous system, making it an ideal pre-sleep posture.
3. Balasana (Child’s Pose)
Balasana, also known as Child’s Pose, is a gentle resting pose that can help relieve back, neck, and shoulder tension. It is a great way to unwind and relax before going to bed.
How to practice:
- Begin by kneeling on your hands and knees on a tabletop.
- Sit on your heels, big toes touching, and knees apart.
- Extend your arms in front of you, resting your brow on the mat.
- Relax your entire body by taking slow, deep breaths.
- Stay in this position for 2-5 minutes, or for as long as you are comfortable.
Balasana promotes safety and comfort, and it should be incorporated into your bedtime routine for improved sleep.
4. Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing)
Alternate Nostril Breathing, or Nadi Shodhana, is a pranayama (breathing) exercise that balances the flow of energy in the body and calms the mind. It is particularly effective at reducing stress and anxiety, both of which can disrupt sleep.
How to practice:
- Sit comfortably, spine straight and shoulders relaxed.
- Close your right nostril with your right thumb and your left nostril with your right ring finger.
- Begin by closing your right nostril and deeply inhaling through your left.
- With your ring finger, close your left nostril and open your right nostril.
- Completely exhale through your right nostril.
- Take a deep breath through your right nostril.
- Seal one nostril while leaving the other open.
- Completely exhale through your left nostril.
- Do this 5-10 times before returning to your normal breathing pattern.
Nadi Shodhana helps to balance the nervous system, reduce stress, and prepare the body and mind for a restful night’s sleep.
5. Savasana (Corpse Pose)
Savasana, also known as Corpse Pose, is the ultimate relaxation pose and is usually done at the end of a yoga session. It is the most relaxing sleeping method, allowing your body and mind to completely relax and unwind.
How to practice:
- Lie on your back with your legs extended and your arms at your sides, palms facing up.
- Relax into the pose by closing your eyes and taking a few deep breaths.
- Relax your muscles, beginning with your toes and progressing to your head.
- Pay attention to your breathing while relaxing your mind.
- Relax in Savasana for 10-15 minutes, or for as long as you like.
Savasana is a deeply relaxing pose that encourages mindfulness and helps the body prepare for a good night’s sleep.
Yoga is a natural and effective way to improve sleep quality because it reduces stress, calms the mind, and relaxes the body. IncBy incorporating these five yoga poses and exercises into your bedtime routine, you can sleep better and wake up feeling more refreshed and revitalized. Remember that consistency is key, and with time and effort, you can use yoga to have more restful nights and brighter mornings. nings. Sweet dreams!