Yoga Poses for Better Sleep
If you’re going to focus on only one thing to improve your overall health & wellbeing, make it your sleep.
Sleep was something that I always knew was incredibly important, but never truly understood just how much it affects every single bodily function until I lost it. I spent the majority of last year with the activation of mast cells in my brain throughout the night, which eventually became full blown insomnia. I’ve always been the type of person that requires 8+ hours of sleep to function the next day, so losing that capability really hit me hard.
Over this last year, I’ve tried everything to help me fall and stay asleep - from meditation & mindfulness practices, to hypnosis, supplements, and even very strong prescription drugs. I now know firsthand how much of an impact sleep plays on overall health, so I’m going to start sharing more of the things that have actually helped me get mine back on track.
Putting the body into a parasympathetic state, HOURS before bedtime, is the first and most important step to getting a good night’s sleep. This can be done in countless ways, but really connecting with the body through stretching or restorative yoga is, in my opinion, vital for every nighttime routine.
Here are a few poses to try for yourself & explanations of WHY they’ll help you catch the best z’s….
💤Child’s pose: sends the body signals of safety & security, releases tension in the upper back & shoulders, tells the body that it’s time to release the day & wind down
💤Forward fold: stretches the entire backline & releases muscular tension, stimulates the vagus nerve & puts the body in a parasympathetic state
💤Bound angle pose: reduces joint pain & physical discomfort to aid in the process of sleep
💤Supine twists: activates the body’s state of rest & digest, while also turning off the body’s stress response
💤Legs up the wall: turns on parasympathetic activity in the body, increases circulation, promotes the removal of toxins & boosts lymphatic drainage
💤Corpse pose (savasana): signifies the end of our practice & the end of our day, creates a meditative state in both the body & mind
Let me know if you try, namaste!