Insomnia is one of the most common health complaints, afflicting people of all ages and backgrounds. Difficulty in falling or staying asleep can hinder all aspects of an individual’s life. People with sleep problems often experience irritability, tension helplessness and depression as well. Unchecked, insomnia can become a debilitation and self-perpetuating cycle. While there are many causes of sleeplessness, anxiety, over-work, or personal problems is a strong factor.
Yoga can help insomnia. Through the yoga ‘poses’, breathing techniques and complete relaxation, you can promote more regular and restful sleep patterns without resorting to sleep-inducing drugs. They interfere with your body’s natural sleep cycle and have side-effects.
Insomnia usually has one of two patterns: falling asleep or staying asleep. If you have trouble falling asleep, try lying down for a period of time before bed , relaxing each part of your body and then stopping the mental conversation, giving your mind a rest from the constant barrage of thoughts, memories, anxieties that keep you awake. Most anxious thoughts have to do with either the past or future. This technique teaches you to be in the present moment.
If you awaken in the night, practicing Complete Breath (a gentle rhythmic breathing).It relaxes your mind and body by focusing on the sound and pattern of your breath.
A daily routine of yoga can also minimize other systems that cause insomnia. The poses stretch and relax muscles helping to reduce fatigue and stress as well as keeping your internal systems at optimal health. A healthy lifestyle can help, No caffeine for 6 hours before bed, avoiding alcohol or heavy meals right before bed.
Regular practice will help train your mind and body to stop thinking and take action to help yourself sleep better.