Sleep is key to our daily routine and is incredibly important to our health. Studies have suggested that the average person spends almost 26 years sleeping in their lifetime, no wonder catching those z’s and heading to dreamworld is so important to us!
Although, it’s not surprising that studies also suggest that we spend around 7 years trying to get to sleep. However, due to a disruptive 12 months, these uncertain times have made individuals sleep less. Getting a good nights sleep can sometimes be difficult due to work, stress, family life etc all of which can affect our natural sleep patterns.
The downsides of a bad night’s sleep or ongoing poor-quality sleep:
- Can trigger emotional disturbances
- Lowers immunity
- Causes stress
- Can put you at risk of serious medical conditions including heart disease, diabetes and obesity
- Can even shorten life expectancy
Yoga isn’t just about improving your core strength and flexibility, it can also help you sleep better. Depending on the style and moves you are practising, yoga has been proven to help you fight abnormal sleep patterns including insomnia.
Yoga has been proven to aid a good night’s sleep because it:
- Is a gentle way to wind down and restore
- Calms your mind – allowing you to de-stress and relax
- Revives your body and allows an element of recovery to your body
- Physical exercise such as yoga can cause fatigue which can aid a restful sleep
Alongside the benefits of yoga practice, a good night’s sleep is also down to better life choices Here are additional tips to try and get you to switch off to catch those all-important z’s:
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol, instead try having a warm milky drink before bed
- Try and wind down before getting in to bed. Having a hot bath - which is a great way to relieve stress and tension.
- Avoid using technology, such as watching TV, using tablets and mobile phones. Swap the tech and try reading a book or doing a jigsaw
- Sleep at regular times
- Write a do list, so that you’re not worrying or stressing about things when you’re trying to relax
- Try keeping a sleep diary to track any habits or daily activities that might contribute to your sleeplessness.