One might wonder how yoga is going to be good for sleep, well the answer is quite simple. The first thing you need to know about yoga is that it focuses on deep breathing and this relaxes the body, calming it down. The combination of subtle body movements and the breathing cycle that yoga is helpful in activating the parasympathetic part of your nervous system, thus eliminating stress and answering the question of how yoga asanas induce better sleep.
Now, the crucial thing here is exactly which asanas are going to be of help. There are so many yoga asanas that serve different purposes that knowing which ones will help you sleep can be a problem. Worry no more though, as here is a list of the most effective yoga asanas for better sleep:
1. Virasana (also known as hero poses):
Simply sit in a comfortable position with your hips resting on your heels, which involves a slight stretch in your ankles and knees. Stretching your spine up and breathing deeply in this position will help clear your mind and slow your heart rate.
2. Bitilasana and Marjaryasana (Cow and Cat Pose):
Without getting up from virasana, you just need to roll into the forward position with the support of your knees and hands. For bitilasana, you need to pull your lower back down with your tailbone and head pointing up. For Marjaryasana, you just do the opposite, tailbone and head tilt down while spine arches up like the shape of the letter C. Keep alternating between these positions for as long as you like.
3. Balasana:
Begin by sinking your hips into your heels while your chest remains seated between your thighs. Here, the toes would be one on top of the other, while the thighs can be spread apart as much as is comfortable for you. Now, she rests her forehead on the ground and begins to walk with her fingers, stretching her arms as well. If you want to have a facial massage feeling, you can even turn your face from side to side.
4. Viparita Karni:
This position can also shed light on the question of how yoga asanas induce better sleep. Lie on the floor with your hips touching the wall so you can stretch your leg vertically up the wall. This asana gives your hamstring a good stretch. Loosens and relaxes the muscles in your lower body, helping you sleep better.
5.Ananda Balasana:
Bringing your knees closer to your chest, hold your toes with your fingers. Now you have to push your heels towards the ceiling while your hips should be on the ground. This asana is very good for relaxing the abdomen and spine.
6.Supta Baddha Konasana:
From the last asana, release the leg and straighten it so that the soles of the feet are in contact while the knees are as far apart as possible. This asana is a gentle stretching exercise for the abdomen, pelvis, and thighs.
7. Savasana:
Simply lie down stretching your legs slightly apart while your toes point in the opposite direction. Relax your arms and body and try to clear your mind of any thoughts. This asana is excellent for not only physical relaxation but mental relaxation as well.