Yoga For Getting Rid Of Chronic Insomnia (Sleeping Disorders)

By Patricia | October 24, 2008
Yoga For Chronic Insomnia

You should certainly try yoga for your problem because sleeping pills or sedative-hypnotics are substances that depress the central nervous system. They induce calmness, relaxation, sleepiness, slowed breathing and reduced anxiety. But they can also be addictive and over usage can lead to slurred speech, poor judgment and slow reflexes. They interfere with your body’s natural sleep cycle. With yoga, it is possible to get all the benefits of sleeping pills and a deep refreshing sleep without any of the harmful side effects.

Insomnia can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. It hinders the ability to fall asleep naturally or once asleep, you have trouble staying asleep. As a result, you wake up feeling tired and dull. This can disturb all aspects of life and you can feel moody, unmotivated, weak, and not able to concentrate and focus on your tasks. That is why when night comes around again you reach for the sleeping pill that gives some rest, but a much better way to find a solution to your problems is yoga, especially if your sleeplessness is stress related.

Yoga is a discipline that balances your mind, body and spirit with the universe around. Yoga exercises stimulate your nervous system, especially the brain. The practice of the postures will increase your food supply to the sleep center in the brain and regulate your natural sleep cycle which sleeping pills disturb.

The stretching and breathing exercises relax the body and mind and create the stillness in you that helps sleep. The meditation routine focuses on your mind and helps in creating a happy peaceful person who is less likely to take his worries to bed.

All yoga exercises will keep you fit and active during the day and reduce fatigue so that your body is naturally ready to rest. There are also certain poses that will quiet and calm you. Forward bends such as Standing Forward Bend, Downward Facing Dog Pose, Head to Knee Pose, and Seated Forward Bend all help to stimulate the relaxation response and calm the nervous system and quiet the brain. You can also try supported supine poses like the Reclining Bound Angle Pose, the Bridge Pose, and Reclining Hero Pose. The Supported Shoulder Stand can also be done immediately before bed to prepare your body for sleep. All inversions like the Supported Headstand, Plow Pose, and Legs Up The Wall Pose are helpful if the cause of sleeplessness is hormonal. You can also practice the Complete Breath, a gently rhythmic breathing cycle while resting on your bed. This technique rests your mind and body by focusing in the sound and rhythm of the breath. It can help you to fall back to sleep if you wake up during the night or help at anytime to still your buzzing mind.

Meditation helps greatly in inducing better sleep. Usually the mind is restless and anxious because of actions of the past or worries for the future. The practice of sitting silently and meditating teaches you to live in the present moment, which gives deep rest. It also puts a stop to physical and mental conversation and gives your mind a rest from disturbing thoughts, memories and worries. With the continuous practice of yoga, you will surely be able to throw your sleeping pills out, feel better, live well and sleep deeply.

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