3 Yoga Poses For Insomnia

Millions of people from around the world suffer from insomnia on a regular basis. The effects can be both psychological and physical. When we don’t get enough sleep mood changes, lack of energy, no motivation, irritability and confusion are all common.

Surprisingly, if you can’t seem to get enough sleep, yoga can help. We have put together a few poses that will help you beat insomnia by soothing your mind and body before bedtime.

1. Big Toe Pose (Padangusthasana)

This is a wonderful pose to help you stretch all your muscles at the same time. Padangusthasana works by gently stretching limbs to lengthen and strengthen. This is a beginner to intermediate pose.

• Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and legs straight.
• Clench thighs, which will push knees outwards.
• Bend forward, keeping legs straight trying to touch your heads to your knees.
• Grabbing each big toe, inhale and lift torso as high as you can while straightening arms.
• Exhale while relaxing torso and return to beginning position. Repeat.

2. Easy Pose (Sukhasana)

The name can be quite deceiving, this asana is more challenging that it may appear. When practiced properly Sukhasana will create the perfect atmosphere for a relaxed, yet alert state in both the body and mind.

• Beginning in sitting position, cross your right leg over the left.
• Move your knees toward each other until your feet are aligned under them.
• Slide the meaty part of your tush outwards until you are positioned directly on the sit bones.
• Bring your hands into the praying position. Begin taking deep, steady breaths.
• Uncross legs alternating their placement. Repeat.

3. Corpse Pose (Savasana)

Oddly, this is one of the most challenging asanas because it requires total relaxation. Savasana is also considered to be the most important pose. This is perfect for preparing you for bed.

• Lie on your back with legs and arms straight. Hands should be about 6 inches from the body with the palms up. Let your feet relax and drop open. Close your eyes.
• Breath naturally.
• Starting with the bottom of your feet slowly working all the way to your head, release each and every body part.
• Allow peace and silence to enter your mind, body and soul.
• Stay in this position for at least 5 minutes.

Let these three relaxing steps help you ease into a peaceful night’s sleep.