Practicing certain yoga postures can make it easier to fall asleep. Here are the movements to perform just before bedtime to help you fall asleep faster!
Everyone has their own way of falling into the arms of Morpheus. While some like to relax by meditating, reading a book or sipping a soothing herbal tea, others prefer a few yoga postures.
This practice is ideal for releasing tension, relieving stress… and falling asleep more quickly.
These benefits have been highlighted by researchers at Harvard University, who have linked the practice of yoga to better quality sleep. Here are the best postures for sleeping like a baby!
Elongated twists
This posture is ideal for relieving tension in the back. To perform it, lie on the floor and hug your knees to your chest. Place your arms in a T-shape and, with your back straight, drop your knees to the left of your body.
You can bring your left hand to your knees and then look in the opposite direction to stretch the back of your neck. Repeat on the other side.
The child’s posture
Sitting on your knees, spread them slightly apart, keeping your feet together. Swing your torso forward, arms straight out in front of you, forehead and palms on the floor.
Stretch the spine as far as possible in this posture, taking the time to breathe in and out through the nose.
The candle
Ideal for stimulating blood circulation and lowering the heart rate, the candle posture also relaxes the back.
Start by lying down on the floor, then, using your abdominal muscles, bring your knees towards you and raise both legs as high as possible without lifting your shoulders off the mat.
Support yourself by placing your hands on your lower back. Hold for a few minutes.
The cobra
Lying on your stomach on your mat, with your head facing the floor, place your hands under your shoulders and then, with your elbows bent, slightly lift your upper torso off the mat, pushing the floor with your arms.
Be careful not to break your back: your upper body should be slightly elevated!
Take deep breaths in and out in this position, then release. This posture is perfect for helping you relax!