Try an Unexpected Technique a Sleep Doctor Swears By
What Is Sleep Hygiene, Exactly?
Savasana is the best part of any yoga practice.
Yes, I said it (and secretly, Im pretty sure we all know its true).
Why cant it be as easy as it is on the mat?
It is withyoga optimized for sleep.
Not surprisingly, sleep onset and yoga are both associated with an increase in parasympathetic activity.
personal trainer and founder of the app Emily Skye FIT
In other words, yoga, like your eight hours, calms the body down andunwinds stress.
Its basically the equivalent of a back rub for your nervous system.
What are the health benefits of yoga for sleep?
So when we practice, the nervous system is balanced and mental and physical knots are released.
When we are calmer, the body can come into a rest state easily.
And yet more researchfound that people with chronic insomnia slept betterwith consistent practice.
The movements or asanas provide an opportunity to modulate connective tissue heath.
Want to try yoga for sleep?
These poses and meditations will get you started
1.
personal trainer and founder of the app Emily Skye FIT
Pigeon pose (Kapotasana)
The sleep benefit:Your hips hold adays worth of tension from sitting.
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Classically, this is believed to calm the nervous system and stimulatelymph stuck in the body.
Breathing exercises help calm the nervous system, thus balancing the left and right brain.
Prefer to follow along with an instructor?
Keep it loose and comfy.
Ditch your usual workout tights for soft and baggy clothes, like sweats or your fave roomy PJs.
This will help your mind and body get into relaxation mode.
If music helps you get into the zone, hit play.
Like the style of yoga, it should be calming and soothingkeep the pump-up playlist for your morning workout.
Make use of props.
This isnt the time to push yourself.
Use blocks or bolsters to support your body throughout the flow.
Keep the timeframe realistic and attainable.
Dont force yourself to do a 30-minute session when youre already tired and preparing for sleep.
Ten minutes could be plenty.
Dont watch TV or get back onto your phone afterward the blue light will shatter your slow flow vibes.
(You dont want to see a work email that will get your mind whirring again, either!)
Cover your eyes during Savasana.
And if you feel yourself drifting off, its bedtime!
Make it the last thing you do.
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