Stress is a natural part of everyday life. However, too much stress can interfere with daily activities, including sleep. Stress and sleep are a vicious cycle because too much stress impacts sleep, and too little sleep worsens stress.  

One thing that can help to relieve stress that interferes with sleep is yoga. Yoga is a soothing practice that can calm the mind and relieve tension in the body. It can help lower stress and is often an effective sleep remedy. Certain inversion and resting poses are especially helpful in combatting restlessness, especially when done in the evening before attempting to get some shut-eye. Continue reading to learn 6 yoga poses that are great for sleep!

Easy Forward Bend

This pose is accessible even to beginners. If you are a little tight in the hips, try sitting on a pillow while you do the pose to make it more relaxing. It eases tension, allowing the hips to open up, and creates an overall sense of ease in the body.

Standing Forward Bend 

Stand with your feet about six inches apart and fold your torso to the ground. Reach your arms to the ground, or bend them and grab the opposite hand to the opposite elbow. According to the Yoga Journal, this pose relieves headaches and insomnia and is helpful for lowering stress levels. Bend your knees as much as you need to, to ease any strain, sway a little side to side, and breathe.

Plow Pose

You should stay in the plow pose for one to five minutes to help you fall asleep faster, per the Yoga Journal. Lie on your back and lift your legs over your head, then ease them down to the ground behind you, with your hands on your back for support or on the floor next to you.

Legs Up the Wall Pose

This is an easy pose that anyone can do. Simply lay on your back with your legs up the wall. It is excellent for relaxation and stress relief. Stay in the pose for about five minutes with your eyes closed. You can even use a soothing eye pillow. Lifting your legs like this has a soothing quality that results from the blood rushing back down to the heart.

Corpse Pose

In the simple corpse pose, you focus your attention on your body and breathing, which helps you relax by taking your mind off of what is causing your stress.

Supine Spinal Twist

You can easily perform this pose in bed before falling asleep. Lie on your back and bring your right knee to your chest and across your left side. Extend your right arm, gaze to the right, and take several deep breaths. Repeat on the other side. You could also bring both knees up and over to each side if you’d like.  This pose relieves tension throughout the spine and helps aid in digestion.

If you find that you are having trouble sleeping through the night or feeling rested, then you may benefit from a visit to Anchorage Sleep Center. Call one of our four convenient locations today to schedule your sleep consult.