If you’ve been reading my blog for any amount of time, then you will know that I am a huge fan of meditation. In this post, I will be touching on the benefits that meditation holds for your sleep and sleeping patterns.
The practice of meditation can help you get the sleep you need – a deeper and more refreshing sleep will make you feel more refreshed and alert the next day. Meditation can also help people who have trouble falling asleep by relaxing the muscles and the mind so that sleep comes more quickly, and the deeper breathing rhythms have an immediate positive impact on the entire nervous system.
Many people take a wide variety of pills for a variety of reasons. Adding sleeping pills to the mix can cause sleep interruption and next-day drowsiness. Meditation, in my humble opinion, is a much better way to go, but if you are only starting out then please be patient – it can take time and practice to master the art enough to get the results that you need.
There are so many wonderful ways to meditate – with or without music, candles, sitting quietly and letting your mind wander or the more intense techniques of yoga meditation. Meditation eases your stress and calms your worries so that you’ll fall asleep more peacefully.
I am also a firm believer in the healing power of dreams, so getting a good sleep is paramount in setting the stage for having as many harmonious and informative dream time experiences as possible!
In order to get your prepared to finely focus on your meditation, try some tricks of the trade such as a mantra (a positive phrase repeated in your mind or aloud), deep breathing or relaxing CDs. I am a huge fan of mantras, as I am a fan of meditation and good sleep!
There are not many public yoga classes these days that offer mantra practice, but there were many years ago when I first started teaching. I adore the power of sound and vibration, and its ability to heal the mind and body on so many levels.
The very first book I ever bought to dive deeper into mantra was by Thomas Ashley-Farrand, Healing Mantras. It still holds as one of the most comprehensive manuals for modern day practitioners. When thoughts enter your mind that threaten to disrupt your meditation and/or mantra time, simply bring your focus back to your breath.
Then slow your breath down, and create spaces between your breath. As these spaces between the in breaths and out breaths grow wider, try to dive your focus deeper into these spaces.
Creating the following atmosphere will allow you to easily focus on your meditation:
- Choose a Quiet Place, Free of Distractions – It could be a room in your house or a park bench beside a lake. Try and rid the area of all distractions such as television, phones and other annoyances.
- Be Comfortable – Sit in a comfortable position, using cushions or pillows if you prefer. Dress in light, easy flowing clothing, take off your shoes and wear nothing that binds your body.
- Relax – Close your eyes and let your mind wander. You may want to use the imagery of a lake or a field of flowers to help you focus on meditating.
- Breathe – Take deep, regular breaths and focus on each one as the air enters and leaves your body. Deep breathing techniques can help to relieve stress and increase your oxygen levels.
Practicing meditation for 10 to 15 minutes per day, preferably before you go to bed, should eventually help improve your sleep patterns and assist you in getting a good night’s sleep.
I think most of us are dying to get a better night’s sleep. Isn’t the biggest medical issue among adults insomnia and the problems it causes? Thanks for the tips!
You know what I did to help me sleep better? I stopped drinking liquids after 5 pm. I always got up to use the bathroom in the middle of the night and not drinking definitley helps!
I am a pretty stressed out person so I really couldnt imagine how stresses I’d be if i didnt get my 8 hours of sleep each night!
This is such interesting information! Thanks for sharing!
Oh, sleep. When will we ever meet again?! If it’s not the baby, it’s insomnia. ((yawn))
I knew sleep was important, but I didn’t realize all that it can do for you!
Great Tips I’ll Have To Work On Using Them Thank You!!
We have several shows (comedy/drama) recorded on the DVR in our bedroom. We watch those to decompress before falling asleep. Once the show is over, I’m out as soon as my head hits the pillow.
I definitely need to get more sleep!
I haven’t slept well more than a handful of times since my now 81/2 year old was born. I miss it!
Sleep is vital! I was just reading about how the world’s oldest woman just turned 116 today and her advice is to get 8 hours of sleep a night. I must admit I don’t always do that!
Ways to get more sleep are much easier said than done when you have young kids, especially newborns. I currently can’t attempt anything on that list. I need caffeine, my sleep schedule is constantly changing and being disturbed, I nap if I get a chance and I can’t relax in a bath without the eyes of a toddler on me. LOL. But one day I aspire to sleep!
I really need a better bed time routine! I wish I knew not to nap sooner. I didn’t realize it could disrupt my sleep schedule!
People who sleep easily and well, have no idea what it is like to never get a full night of quality uninterrupted sleep.
Great tips… I just wish I could get it all to work out for me. I would LOVE a good night of sleep!
This is great information! I would love to sleep more, if it wasn’t for my toddler LOL!
Sleep is one the thing that I must say I take seriously. My husband thinks it is neurotic, but I see it as necessary!
I think sleep is the most difficult challenge. I can sneak exercises here and there, eat my veggies, and whatever else I need to stay healthy, except for sleep. Sleep is the only thing I can’t get that I absolutely wish I could and I know would make a huge difference in my health.
It’s hard for me to go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day because I have a weird schedule each day. But avoiding distractions while in bed is very important.
I would love to sleep better! Having a baby has completely change my bedtime routine.
But I love my naps! Well I guess I’ll have to trade that in for my 8 hours a night :/
Ha ha! I hear you on that one, Mike… I find it hard to pass up on my cat naps. Especially naps taken in sunbeams 🙂