If you have any experience of Yoga, you will know that Yoga works as much on the mind as the body. Breathing techniques and meditation practices alongside an Asana practice help calm the mind and drain excess stress, bringing peace, contentment and resilience into the present moment.
This then carries forward into one’s entire day supplying the will and energy to get tasks done bringing closure towards the evening with the conviction of a day well spent. And this is also what, by and by, will help in giving one a good night’s sleep.
As we all know, sleep is as important as nutrition and daily exercise to our overall health. Poor sleep not only leaves one groggy the next day, but affects our ability to focus on work, often making us irritable and moody. Chronic lack of sleep can also lead to compromised immune function. And this is as good as creating optimal conditions for disease to step in.
Causes of sleeplessness
Since we have now hopefully convinced you of why sleep is so important, let’s move back a few paces and take a look at what might be causing sleeplessness in the first place.
For most people the origins of sleeplessness might begin with trying to catch up on work and home chores, and the rush to meet deadlines. For some the stress of such days is palpable. The effects of accumulated adrenalin and cortisol manifest in the form of elevated heart rates, rapid shallow breathing, irritability and a sense of frustration. When the time comes to hit the pillow, they might not be able to fall asleep, tossing and turning in bed. (Read our blog on stress https://www.pratimoksha.org/yoga-for-stress-management/)
For others the stress might not be as obvious. Having finished all they have crammed into the day, they now turn eagerly to enjoy their hard-earned me time. It could be scrolling through their social media feeds or watching movies while snacking sprawled out on their couch. Or clubbing with friends. They are winding down, but it comes at the cost of crucial revitalizing sleep time. In time, they get used to functioning with a minimum amount of sleep.
Still others experience sleep deprivation due to anxieties and worrisome thoughts about family, work, health and other issues. And then there’s chronic pain that keeps many people awake at night and affects their sleep quality.
The causes of sleep deprivation are many, but in all situations the good news is that Yoga can help.
How Yoga helps improve sleep
As we explained at the outset, it has been proven that Yoga helps immensely with lowering stress levels. This it does by lowering all stress hormones such as adrenalin and cortisol which kick in when one is stressed and trying to function in a stressful environment. Yoga teaches us to focus on the present moment, whether is when holding a posture or while doing Pranayama (breathing) exercises or a meditation practice or Yoga Nidra.
It has also been scientifically proven that Yoga helps in boosting all our feel-good hormones. One such is serotonin a neurotransmitter, that helps in enhancing one’s mood and digestion and our physiology in general. Low levels of serotonin can lead to depression.
Serotonin is also linked to melatonin, another hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating our sleep. It is the secretion of melatonin that makes us sleepy at night.
Yes another hormone that boosts our sense of happiness is dopamine. The body being such an intricate system, the various hormones secreted are constantly interacting with each other and their delicate optimal balance is what keeps us healthy and positive.
Yoga helps boost the secretion of all these hormones thus making us happier and stress-free, with a natural self-regulated sleep and wake cycle.
A regular Yoga practice also helps those suffering from various musculoskeletal issues, reducing aches and pains. Chronic pain sufferers also experience considerable pain relief with continued Yoga practice under a qualified Yoga teacher.
These are just a few areas where Yoga provides exponential benefits.
Begin a simple Yoga practice under a qualified Yoga teacher, and gradually increase the intensity and duration of the postures. Incorporate breathing and meditation in due course. Do whatever it takes to keep your practice consistent. In a very short while you will notice your sleep patterns changing for the better.
We at Pratimoksha guarantee it.
For more on sleep issues and how Yoga can help, watch Pratimoksha – Yoga studio Oud Metha videos on YouTube.
Read our blogs on sleep
https://www.pratimoksha.org/yoga-for-sleep/ — Why 7-8 hours of quality sleep is necessary
https://www.pratimoksha.org/sleeplessness-and-obesity/ — Sleeplessness and obesity
For more information call us or WhatsApp us at 00971-50-395-5613
0 Comments