Grumpy, irritable and lack of concentration: a bad night's sleep has a major impact on our body and life. We don’t feel very alert, positive or rested. Because of the many impressions we process on a daily basis, it may be hard to get a good night's sleep. If you want to sleep better, a sleep meditation might be just what you need!
The importance of sleeping well
A good night's sleep is extremely important. While you’re sleeping, the body has a chance to refresh and restore, both mentally and physically. Better sleep gives your body enough time to process all the impressions and emotions of the day, so the next morning you can start the day fresh, energetic and alert.
Can’t sleep
"Sleep well!" Easier said than done. A good night’s rest is important, but cannot be taken for granted. Every day we cope with an overflow of impressions that causes a lot of anxiety and stress. E-mails, social media, complicated relationships, stress on the job, a rollercoaster of emotions ... we don’t get enough rest during the day.
When we finally do get into bed, the thoughts and emotions keep haunting us. Taking all these impressions to bed with us can be counterproductive.
Sleep meditation before going to bed
Meditation is a way to ‘file’ all your impressions and to prepare yourself for the night, mentally and physically. Meditation has a strong effect on your night's rest.
You’re actually pressing the pause button and bringing your body into its state of rest. You’re letting go of all the thoughts that come back to you so that you’re fully in the "now". This allows you to sleep better and it’s a wonderful way to end your day.
Sleep better with a sleep meditation
Are you suffering from sleep problems and would you like to sleep better? When you’re finally in bed do you spend hours worrying? Do you wake up regularly at night? Make sleep meditation part of your evening routine!
Turn off all screens at 9 pm (laptop, cell phone, television) and take time to reflect on your day. Complete a relaxing meditation just before going to bed. You can use a yoga cushion, a comfortable chair or your bed. The bed is probably the best choice because you can fall asleep when you’re done. Figure out what feels comfortable for you!
A sleep meditation will help you sleep better and deeper. When giving your body a complete rest (both physically and mentally) you put all the impressions of the day aside and start the night relaxed. Every part of your body is letting go. You will spend less time lying awake and fall asleep faster.
A short sleep meditation works wonders and is not difficult to do:
- Get into a comfortable position on your yoga cushion, chair, or lie down on your back. Choose a position that doesn't require much effort.
- Set your alarm (one with a pleasant sound) for 5, 10 or 15 minutes, so you can’t fall asleep during your sleep meditation. Unless that is exactly what you want to do!
- Focus your attention on your breathing. Inhale for 4 seconds, out for 5 seconds. 4 seconds in, 5 seconds out. Make your exhale just a little longer than your inhale and find a natural rhythm.
- If there are thoughts going through your mind, notice them and let them go. Bring your attention back to your breathing.
- After a while you’ll notice that you’re feeling more relaxed.
Guided sleep meditations
Would you like to sleep better and start with a sleep meditation? Meditation Moments contains sleep meditations of 3, 7, 10, and 15 minutes and long meditations of 20 and 30 minutes. Immerse yourself in the world of meditation. Don’t have much time? Start with a short meditation of a few minutes. After a while, you may enjoy longer meditations. Prepare for the night and wake up well-rested!
Try the Positive relaxation sleep meditation from the Meditation Moments App. Download the app (Google Play / App store) Sleep tight!
Did you download the Meditation Moments App yet? Google Play / App store