Insomnia usually has one of two patterns: trouble falling asleep or trouble staying asleep. If you have difficulty falling asleep, try our sequence of deep relaxation and meditation (fully explained in many of our instructional books or tapes) in a lying-down position 30 minutes before bed to encourage a pleasant and restful sleep. This procedure works by relaxing each part of your body and then stopping mental conversation for a few minutes, giving your mind a rest from the constant barrage of thoughts, memories, anxieties, and reactions that keep you awake. Most anxious thoughts have to do with either the past or the future; meditation teaches you how to be more aware in the present moment, which gives you a deep rest.
Daily practice of Yoga meditation will help train your mind and body to stop thinking and stop action. It trains you to turn inward to a peaceful silence which encourages sleep. Practice must be done every day for 15 to 30 minutes for best results.These simple practices and easy-to-learn Yoga techniques can help you sleep better and awaken refreshed and energized.
If you awaken during the night, practicing the Complete Breath (a gentle rhythmic breathing cycle) while lying on your back. This technique relaxes your mind and body by focusing on the sound and rhythm of the breath, leading you back to sleep before you know it. You can practice this breathing exercise any time of day to interrupt racing thoughts and give yourself a break from stress.
Tags: Complete breath, Exercise, Insomnia, Sleep, Yoga
