Yoga for Better Sleep

A couple of weeks ago we spoke about the benefits of stretching for better sleep. Yoga offers one way to do just that.  Many of you have joined online Yoga classes since the Corona Virus hit, so if you’re having trouble sleeping, do ask your instructor about the correct way to do these poses, which can help you slide into relaxation mode just before bedtime.

Wall Pose (Viparita Karani)

This one’s great if you’ve been on your feet a lot during the day, and can help ease swollen feet and ankles, by recirculating blood flow.  It involves lying on the floor with your hips close to the edge of the wall and your legs up straight against the wall.

Child’s Pose (Balasana)

Besides stretching and relaxing the hips, thighs and ankles, this posture, combined with the right therapeutic breathing is also known to help with insomnia.

It involves kneeling on the floor, sitting on your heels and moving into a deep forward bend, with your torso resting on your thighs and your arms stretched out in front of you.

Standing Forward Bend (Uttanasana)

This posture is great for relieving tension in your neck and shoulders, along with stretching your hips, hamstrings and calves. It involves standing with your feet hips’ width apart and curving into a forward bend that stretches your spine.

Supine Spinal Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana)

This posture helps a stiff back and eases pent up tension in your body. It involves twisting your legs from side to side while lying on your back, with your knees bent.