Snooze With Zen: 5 Yoga Poses To Sleep Better This International Yoga Day

Say goodbye to restless nights and hello to peaceful slumber with yoga poses to sleep better this International Yoga Day 2023. Get ready to experience the ultimate bedtime ritual!

In today’s fast-paced world, getting a good night’s sleep has become more challenging than ever. However, there may be a natural and relaxing solution to help you achieve that restful slumber you’ve been longing for.

Recent studies have shown that incorporating specific bedtime yoga asanas into your nightly routine can significantly improve the quality of your sleep.

So, if you’re struggling with sleepless nights, it might be time to roll out your yoga mat and discover the five bedtime yoga asanas that can help you sleep better.

According to a recent study at the Sleep Foundation, over 55% of people who engage in bedtime yoga asanas sleep better, and 85% stress less! Studies confirm yoga’s sleep-enhancing powers, focusing on quality over quantity.

So are you ready to wake up refreshed and feeling energized for the day? Here are some yoga poses to help sleep better!

Read more : The Benefits Of Yoga For Trauma Treatment and Mind-Body Wellness

5 Yoga Poses To Sleep Better

1. The Child’s Pose (Balasana)

This gentle resting pose helps calm the mind and relax the body, releasing tension in the back and shoulders. By focusing on deep breathing while in this pose, practitioners experience a sense of tranquility that prepares them for a peaceful night’s sleep.

5 Easy Steps:

1. Kneel on the floor, bringing your big toes together and sitting back on your heels.
2. Lower your torso forward and rest your forehead on the mat or a pillow.
3. Extend your arms forward or rest them alongside your body.
4. Breathe deeply, allowing your body to relax and sink into the pose.
5. Stay in this calming position for a few deep breaths or as long as it feels comfortable, releasing tension and promoting relaxation.

2. The Standing Forward Bend (Uttanasana)

It is known for its ability to relieve stress and tension in the body. By folding forward and allowing the upper body to hang loose, the spine elongates and stretches, promoting relaxation and helping to alleviate any built-up stress from the day.

5 Easy Steps:

1. Stand with feet hip-width apart.
2. Exhale and fold forward from the hips.
3. Let your upper body hang loose, allowing hands to rest on the floor or grab opposite elbows.
4. Relax your head and neck.
5. Hold for a few breaths and slowly come back up.

3. The Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose (Viparita Karani)

Another powerful pose for inducing sleep can be started by lying on the floor and placing the legs vertically against a wall, blood flow is directed away from the lower extremities, which can help reduce restlessness and calm the nervous system.

This pose also aids in reducing swelling in the legs and feet, making it particularly beneficial for individuals who spend long hours on their feet.

5 Easy Steps:

1. Lie on your back near a wall.
2. Extend your legs up against the wall, keeping them straight.
3. Relax your arms by your sides.
4. Close your eyes and breathe deeply.
5. Hold for 5-10 minutes, allowing yourself to fully unwind.

4. The Supine Spinal Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana)

For those looking to release tension in the spine this Yoga Day, the supine spinal twist is an excellent choice. By gently twisting the spine and bringing the knees to one side while keeping the shoulders grounded, practitioners experience a sense of release and relaxation.

This pose helps alleviate any discomfort in the back and promotes spinal alignment, allowing for a more comfortable sleep.

Read more: 6 Yoga Mudras To Heal Common Ailments

5 Easy Steps:

1. Lie on your back with knees bent.
2. Draw knees toward your chest.
3. Extend arms out to the sides, palms facing down.
4. Drop both knees to one side while keeping your shoulders grounded.
5. Turn your head to the opposite side.
6. Hold for a few breaths, then switch sides and repeat.

5. The Reclining Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana)

It works wonders for opening up the hips and groin area, which often carry a lot of tension. By lying on the back and bringing the soles of the feet together while allowing the knees to drop to the sides.

Practitioners experience a deep stretch that helps release physical and emotional tension, allowing for a more relaxed state of mind and body.

5 Easy Steps:

1. Lie on your back with knees bent.
2. Bring the soles of your feet together, allowing knees to drop out to the sides.
3. Place your hands on your belly or by your sides.
4. Relax and breathe deeply, feeling a gentle opening in the hips and groin area.
5. Stay in this pose for a few minutes, releasing any tension.

If counting sheep or relying on sleep aids have failed to bring you the sleep you desire, incorporating these five bedtime yoga asanas into your routine might be the solution you’ve been searching for.

Read more here: 11 Partner Yoga Poses For Couples To Build Intimacy

From the calming Child’s Pose to the tension-releasing Reclining Bound Angle Pose, each asana offers its unique benefits to help you unwind and prepare for a night of deep, restorative sleep.

These asanas guide you into a world of blissful slumber. Sweet dreams await!