How Yoga Can Affect Your Sleep

Yoga is nothing new. It has been around for centuries. The practice incorporates contemplative movements, physical exercise, stretching, breathing, and being fully present at the moment. Exercising it on a regular basis can do tremendous things for one’s body and quality of life. Better sleep is one of those tremendous things. Since yoga can be both calming and therapeutic, it is a fantastic way to unwind after a long day at work.

For those who tend to wake up in the middle of the night, incorporating yoga into your daily routine may be useful. In addition, since this ancient technique can significantly aid in the fight against stress, it is often also beneficial if your overnight sleeplessness is caused by tension, stress, anxiety, and concern.

Here are some of the reasons why yoga may be helpful for sleep:

Breath Awareness

Because breathing is an important aspect of yoga, daily yoga practice may help you become more aware of your breathing and how it affects your mind and body.

Relaxation

Relaxation is a critical component of yoga. Deep breathing, in particular, may aid in the relaxation of the body and the improvement of sleep.

Mindfulness

Since yoga, has a mindful aspect, it may also benefit certain people. Meditation, which is paying full attention and awareness to the present moment, has been demonstrated to enhance melatonin levels in the body. Melatonin is the sleep hormone so keeping it balanced is essential for a good night’s sleep and improved sleep quality.

Physical activity

A large number of studies have shown that regular physical activity may help in the advancement of sleep quality. Even though you should generally avoid strenuous physical activity in the evening hours, mild to moderate exercise, such as gentle yoga, will not interfere with your sleep and may even help you sleep better if done regularly.