Millions of people around the world suffer from insomnia. One of the reasons for this is that they just can’t seem to get their mind to "switch off," so to speak. It’s impossible to sleep if your mind is obsessed with bills, deadlines, tomorrow's tasks, and other such ponderings. You must calm your mind... the sleep will follow.
Yoga is excellent for insomnia because not only does it strengthen the body but it also relaxes it and calms the mind. The breathing techniques and meditation incorporated into most yoga routines can truly work wonders for your mental and emotional well-being.
Yoga is known to dramatically reduce stress and strain in your muscles. It reduces inflammation in the joints and helps you to control your stress levels. Just as it helps with diabetes, yoga puts an end to insomnia too!
People who do yoga regularly have reported that they fall asleep faster and wake up feeling more refreshed, optimistic, and happy. This is quality sleep. Unlike millions of people who go to bed and wake up even more tired and grumpy the next morning.
One technique in yoga is called short meditation. You will have to turn off all outside distractions like your mobile phone, TV, etc. You need some time to yourself and somewhere quiet. Sit cross-legged on the floor and keep your posture upright. Now just breathe gently and easily and try to calm your mind. Focus on your breathing. Do nothing except hear the sound of each breath. Do not control your breathing. Just listen. This will calm the mind.
From this short meditation, slowly turn your upper body to your right and hold it there while you breathe deeply. Stay in this position for a few breaths, and then turn left and repeat.
Next, face forward and slowly lower your torso forward and reach out with your hands as far as you can go. This move will stretch and relax your back muscles. Take a few deep breaths while in this position.
You may now stretch your legs forward and lie down. Keep your arms by your sides relaxed with the palms facing upwards. This is known as the corpse pose and is supposed to be one of the most relaxing yoga poses. Lie in this position and breathe deeply with your eyes closed. Listen to your breaths and sleep should often follow.
Though quite simple to implement at the base level, these techniques will likely take some time to master. Many people are so used to being stressed that they are unable to unwind. Even when trying to listen to their breath, their mind will wander off every few seconds. Each time this happens, remain disciplined, focusing on your breathing again... just listen. As time goes by, you will be able to listen to your breathing for longer periods without your mind drifting away.
In order to fully achieve the benefits of yoga, the above methods may not be sufficient. You may wish to sign up for a few yoga sessions under a qualified instructor. You will then learn the proper breathing techniques, poses, meditation and other essential yoga principles.
Once you have learned precisely what you need to, you can perform this at home or any place where you feel most comfortable. Your health and general sense of well-being will undoubtedly improve. Once that happens, sleep will come easy.