Insomnia is a sleep disorder that is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, waking too early, and/or feeling tired upon waking. Acute insomnia (lasting from one night to a few weeks) is the most common and is usually caused by stress, hormonal changes, and/or emotional problems. Fortunately, the stress reducing, calming and natural balancing effects of yoga make it a perfect remedy for mild and acute insomnia, and along with good sleep habits insomnia can often be prevented or quickly cured.
Yoga Postures
A gentle practice of calming yoga poses will be generally effective to reduce stress and balance the body’s systems to promote good sleep. Use our Calming Pose Sequence as a base for your practice, adding or emphasizing from our complete list of Postures for Insomnia.
Pranayama
Use Dirga and Nadi Sodhana Pranayamas to reduce stress and to induce a feeling of calm and well-being.
Meditation
Meditation reduces stress, calms the mind, and removes negative thought patterns. Use one of the following by itself and/or at the beginning and end of your yoga practice: Yoga Meditation or Inner Peace Meditation.
Articles
Yoga for Insomnia
Sweet Slumber
Ayurvedic Sleep Aids
Using Yoga to Beat Insomnia
Books and Videos
Yoga: the Path to Holistic Health
Yoga as Medicine
Yoga Therapy
Yoga Therapy for Overcoming Insomnia
Web Resources
Wholistic Healing Center For Insomnia
Sleep Disorders Health Center
Yoga is not a substitute for conventional western medication; please consult your medical professional before starting a yoga practice.
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