Could Yoga Before Bed Be the Sleep Fix We’ve Been Missing?
Alike the many of us who struggle with the work, screens, and stress, I often find myself not able to fall asleep. My regular tips such as turning off the phone early, not consuming caffeine, even counting sheep do not work, but after that, I still toss around for a long time. So, when I found out about a night yoga course with over 16 million views, I thought it would be worth trying
As a person who prefers fast and hard workouts during the day, I never thought of myself as a person doing yoga at night. My usual yoga practices are more relaxing and energizing — I admit I am not that type of person who looks for calm and comfort in them. Nevertheless, this gentle bedtime routine sounds like juicy fruit for the tired- and sleep-seeking people.
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A Gentle Wind-Down Instead of Another Workout
This yoga activity took about 20 minutes and was directed to helping the body and mind reduce speed. The greatest thing about it is that you don’t actually need any special tools to start off. I took a pillow, put on my night pajamas, and went through the session on the floor of my bedroom. It felt more like a meditative stretching exercise than a typical yoga class, it was different for me, and of course, I liked that.
The pace was slow for all of them and they were mostly performed from a sitting or lying position. It was more like focusing on the releasing of the tension. Breathing deeply is a significant part of it, and in a few minutes, I found myself breathing more deeply as well as thinking off the clutter that had been accumulated throughout the day.
It Was a Refreshing Change From My Normal Routine
If I’m being completely transparent, I was very hesitant at the beginning. Generally, I and my partner and our dog use the evenings to wind down, not to unroll the yoga mat. But after five minutes into that practice, I recognized this is the spot for me. The calming music in the background, gentle stretching, and positive affirmations to breathe in all helped me switch from stressful mode to sleeping mode.
There was no need for active poses like downward dogs or planks—this sequence was more about turning inward. Also, my morning workouts often see me changing clothes or getting some gear, a thing that I didn’t need to do now. The simplicity of it made it instantly feel easy and within reach, which is what I look for in something that I do right before bed.
The Real Benefit Came After I Rolled Up the Mat
When I finished the last pose—savasana—I felt more at peace. This was not due to any decrease in my physical weight, but mentally, I was already free. Neither my thoughts of the day after nor the e-mail I missed to send that day was a worry. I was just calm. On that night, I didn’t fall asleep as soon as my head touched the pillow, but I realized I fell asleep with fewer thoughts running through my mind and with a more serene attitude.
The biggest change was not about immediate sleep, but it was a smoother shift into rest. I have always found this is something I can’t get from scrolling TikTok or watching another episode of reality TV.
Will I Keep Doing It? Here’s the Honest Truth
According to the most realistic scenario, I am not very likely to stick to this pattern day by day. Sometimes twenty minutes are not enough, as what I actually wish is to sit back and relax on the couch. However, this very experience made me realize how even a little time allows one to take some breaths, ease the body and clear the mind. It is something I intend to resort to on those days when I find it impossible to stop my mind.
There are also quicker bedtime yoga sessions and I am contemplating giving them a try on days I feel under pressure. Only five to ten minutes can be enough to unwind and prepare for sleep.
If you have a hard time falling asleep or want to find a healthy way to relax in the evenings, the idea of practicing yoga at bedtime is certainly one to be considered. You will not only miss out on flexibility but you will not have to get equipment, also, you do not need to change into anything else other than your nightie. You just need to turn the volume up, move slowly, and breathe more deeply. It may be the easiest way to sleep better and smile a little brighter.
