Yoga for Sleep How Can Yoga Reduce Overthinking and Restlessness at Night

Yoga for Sleep: How Can Yoga Reduce Overthinking and Restlessness at Night?

Sleep has always remained a pivotal part of human existence, and deprivation of it culminates in a range of physical and mental disorders. Although it has remained an underrated aspect of life, sleep has an immense impact on the overall well-being of individuals. However, in this modern world, amidst excessive stress, restorative sleep has become a real luxury. The frantic pace of life often leaves us with a mind that refuses to switch off, leaving us tossing, turning, and counting the hours until dawn. In such cases, even when the pharmaceutical pills fail to offer a quick remedy, yoga for sleep comes into play and prepares both the body and mind to take rest after a hectic day. Yoga, in reality, is not at all complex acrobatics, but also about the union of breath, mind, and body. For those who are struggling to sleep, bedtime yoga is right here to become your go-to option for achieving sound sleep. Here in this blog of Shiva Science, we will walk you through the benefits of yoga for sleep and show you tried and tested yoga poses for a delightful slumber. Let’s get ready to find out the magic remedies for insomnia. 

Benefits of Yoga for Sleep 

Whether it’s insomnia or the inability to achieve a sound sleep, we usually resort to medicines and pills to get sleep instantly. These pills have their detrimental impact on health and have long-term side effects. People often blame bed, pillow, and bedding for the poor quality of sleep, but the reality is altogether different. Mental turbulence or excessive anxiety are the main reasons behind the sleep deprivation. Let’s have a look below to find out how yoga can improve sleep. 

  • Reducing Stress Hormone: 

Insomnia and poor sleep quality are inextricably associated with each other and indicate an elevated level of stress hormone or cortisol. Yoga poses here prove extremely beneficial and take part in reducing the cortisol level. By performing slow, sustained poses and focusing on the breath, you signal safety to your brain, lowering the chemical markers of stress that keep you awake.

  • Enhancing Mindfulness:

The selection of the right yoga poses leaves a positive influence on the production of melatonin, the hormone that is conducive to regulating the sleep cycle. The best part of yoga is that it helps to break the vicious pattern of rumination, giving rise to stress and anxiety. 

  • Activating the Parasympathetic System:

There are specific types of yoga poses, such as yoga nidra, and these poses are known for their restorative effect on overall health. Performing these yoga poses, you can not only help to regulate the blood pressure or slow down the overactive brain, but also reduce the heartbeat rate. 

  • Addressing Physical Tension: 

The stress of the body usually gets stored in the hips, shoulders, and back. It results in excruciating back or shoulder pain. Here, the yoga practices come in handy and reduce the physical discomfort. 

Tips to Make Yoga Your Bedtime Ritual 

When the medicine and therapies leave long-term side effects on your health, meditation and yoga offer a restorative path to overcome insomnia-related issues with ease. For yoga to be effective against restlessness and overthinking, it must become a consistent, non-negotiable part of your evening routine. At Shiva Science, our healing and meditation sessions are designed in a way to help the participants gradually rise above the physical and mental ailments. Here, have a look at the tips below to understand how you can practice yoga and meditation correctly to reap the natural benefits. 

  • Dim the Light:

For pre-bedtime or bedtime yoga practices, it is essential to use low lighting, such as a candle or a salt lamp. In turn, it will signal your brain that it’s time to produce the sleep hormones and will gradually slow down the active nerve activities. 

  • Ditch the Mobiles:

Long screen time, especially before bedtime, can affect your sleep. So, we recommend turning off the screen 30 minutes before sleep so that your brain can get enough time to produce melatonin, which is conducive to sleep. 

  • Use Props:

Restorative yoga is made better with props. Use a blanket under your head, a bolster under your knees, or a block under your hips to fully support the body, allowing the muscles to completely release. 

  • Time It Right: 

Last but not least, practice yoga for 30 to 60 minutes consistently before you go to bed. Stay away from performing the vigorous poses that elevate the heartbeat. 

Yoga for Sleep FAQs 

Q1. How does yoga actually help me fall asleep faster?

Yoga helps to fall asleep faster just by calming your nervous system. Plus, the slow breathing and other practices reduce the cortisol level. Incorporating yoga practices in your daily routine not only helps to induce good sleep but also improves the quality of life of individuals. 

Q2. How long before bed should I practice yoga?

We recommend performing yoga 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. This gives your body and mind time to transition from the practice to sleep. Plus, use the low lighting and refrain from indulging in screen activities to get the best sleep. 

Q3. Do I need any special equipment for performing yoga?

No, for performing yoga, you need no equipment at all. Still, you can keep a yoga mat and a cushion for additional support. You can also follow the online yoga videos for effectiveness. 

Q4. What are the best yoga poses for inducing deep sleep? 

For inducing deep sleep, we suggest performing the restorative yoga poses. Or else, you can directly connect with the experts for immediate assistance. At Shiva Science, our experts are there to offer you tailored guidance on meditation and yoga for addressing your unique needs.

Closing Thoughts:

The journey to deep sleep is not a child’s play these days, as our hectic schedule and stressful work life keep us away from restful sleep. However, yoga for sleep is a proven method and can become your go-to companion to get rid of anxiety and other mental disorders. To ensure a happy life and best sleep, connect with Shiva Science and know more about the yoga poses that truly help.