Haven Yoga Meditation discusses the impact that meditation can have on your sleep.
For many people, achieving quality sleep can often feel like an impossible goal. Stress, anxiety, distractions and daily responsibilities can wreak havoc on our ability to unwind and relax at the end of the day when we need a peaceful sleep. However, at Haven Yoga Meditation in Brisbane, we believe that incorporating meditation into your daily routine can significantly improve your sleep quality. Continue reading this blog to discover how meditation can be a powerful tool to enhance your sleep and ensure that you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to face the day.
Reducing stress and anxiety
One of the main reasons that people struggle with sleep is an overload of stress and anxiety. These feelings can cause racing thoughts and physical tension in the body, which can make it extremely difficult for your body and your mind to relax. Through meditation, you can be present and aware in the moment and let go of the worries from the day. The regular practice of meditation will help to reduce the stress hormones in your body and allow you to have a more restful and uninterrupted sleep.
Increased relaxation
Meditation will not only reduce your stress and anxiety from the day but can also improve your general relaxation. In particular, meditation techniques such as guided imagery and deep breathing exercises promote a deep state of calmness. These practices can help to slow down your heart rate and reduce your blood pressure, which signals to your body that it’s time to wind down and go to sleep. When practised regularly, especially before bedtime, these techniques can help create a ritual that conditions your body to relax and prepare for sleep.
At Haven Yoga Meditation we host a guided meditation in Brisbane every Thursday night which offers a perfect start to a relaxing evening.
Reducing insomnia symptoms
For those suffering from insomnia, meditation can be a game-changer. In fact, cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia* often includes meditation and relaxation techniques as a core component. By focusing on the breath and releasing intrusive thoughts, meditation helps insomniacs reduce the frustration and anxiety associated with not being able to sleep. Over time, this practice can rewire the brain to associate bedtime with relaxation rather than stress, making it a lot easier to fall asleep and continue to stay asleep throughout the night.
Boosting melatonin levels
Melatonin** is the hormone responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles. Studies have found that meditation can naturally increase melatonin levels, promoting better sleep. By meditating in a dark, quiet environment before bed, you can further enhance the production of this crucial hormone, aiding your body to transition into sleep mode more efficiently. Alternatively, participating in a guided group meditation in Brisbane at studios such as Haven Yoga Meditation can help you unwind from the day as you move into your nighttime routine.
* Rob Newsom and Alex Dimitriu – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I): An Overview – https://www.sleepfoundation.org/insomnia/treatment/cognitive-behavioral-therapy-insomnia
** Health Direct – Melatonin – https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/melatonin
