“My Bed is a Magical Place Where I Suddenly Remember Everything I Need to Do”
If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone.
Any number of factors can make falling asleep and staying asleep difficult, but the most common factor is not being able to quiet the mind. And because we know how vital sleep is, it’s easy during times of restlessness to become worried about the struggles you’ll face as a zombie the next day.
Why We Need Sleep
During sleep, our body is at work detoxifying and repairing the wear and tear we put it through while awake. Without proper sleep, our body isn’t getting the opportunity to rejuvenate, causing us not only to feel sluggish and foggy, but also speeding up the aging process.
On top of the physical stress lack of sleep causes, psychologically we are less stable when we lose sleep and can become easily irritated and overwhelmed. This can negatively impact our relationships, our work, and our sense of self.
So what can you do to consistently catch some quality ZZZ’s?
YOGA
In a Harvard study on yoga and sleep, participants practiced 45-minute yoga sequences before bedtime that included long, slow breathing and meditation. The results showed significant improvements in sleep efficiency, total sleep time, and how long it took to fall asleep.
How it works…
Certain types of yoga trigger the parasympathetic nervous system, the same system activated during sleep (also known as the “rest & digest” system). So when you perform these types of yoga prior to bedtime, you’re giving your body a head start on its journey to REM, therefore decreasing your toss and turn time.
It’s important to keep in mind that not all types of yoga are meant to relax and prepare for sleep. When searching for a class to take or poses to perform that will aid in sleeping and calming, look for those which focus on breathing, slow movements, and those which close to savasana or meditation.
No More Sleepless Nights
For best sleep results, regularly attend an evening yoga class and incorporate what you learn into your nightly routine. Becoming part of a class can heighten your experience and allow for greater relaxation. Also, practicing outside of your house will make it easier to block out distractions and stick to your routine.
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Live in the St. Louis area?
Come relax with us at Halcyon Spa Yoga Class.
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