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Light Practice

Yoga to Curb Insomnia

Posted: November 10th, 2008 by Sarah Kline 13 Comments

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If you’ve ever tossed and turned for series of sleepless nights, you’re not alone. Many people in the western world experience insomnia in some form. It affects nearly a third of the US population, with 20 million chronic cases reported each year. Some common causes in our society include stress, anxiety, a reliance on stimulants and a lack of exercise. We all know that our moods are correlated to the quality of our previous night’s sleep and are familiar with the irritability that comes with restlessness.

The good news is there are many things you can do to bring about a more a peaceful night, without resorting to medication. First, figure out how much sleep your body needs by clocking an undisturbed night. Then try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, to establish a body rhythm based on the hours per day you need. If you’re having trouble winding down when it’s time, check your lifestyle habits. Are you getting enough exercise? Perhaps you can cut down on caffeine and sugar.

Make bedtime a sensory slowdown ritual. Turn off the TV and try some relaxation therapies. There are so many out there and they’re all about pampering you!! Herbal teas, candles, mellow music, a hot bath, and if you’re lucky; maybe even a soothing massage. And of course, you can always turn to this 10-minute restorative yoga sequence to slow down racing thoughts, breathe and relax your muscles.

The benefits of a good night’s sleep are many: more rational decision-making, greater productivity at work, extra patience with yourself and others; not to mention better health overall. It definitely takes some discipline but the lens through which you see the world will become so much clearer and more vibrant as a result!