It is true that to have a sound sleep, one needs to have a calm mind and peaceful thoughts. In today’s world there are so many distractions which demand constant attention. Social media, mails, messages, advertisements to name a few, cause constant chatter in the mind. Our brain is like a supercomputer. If it is loaded with constant processing tasks, it leads to fatigue and damage and eventually lack of sleep. This condition is termed as insomnia.
Just like water, air and food, the body needs sleep to function. During sleep cycles the body heals itself and restores its chemical balance. I dealt with sleepless nights for a long time and couldn’t help to notice that how it affected my life by way of constant mood swings, fatigue and that feeling of restlessness.
After joining YTT with Tirisula Yoga, I realized the power of pranayama and yoga in healing this problem. We have always heard starting your morning with pranayama and yoga to kick start the day with positive energy and intentions but we should also end the day, after those hectic schedules, with the mindful breathing routine relaxing and calming our minds which ultimately helps in a good sleep. Hence, I was introduced to the technique of Chandra Bhedana pranayama during my course.
Chandra Bhedana Pranayama (Moon Breath): Moon is the symbol of coolness, so by doing this pranayama we feel some coolness in our body. This breath activates the left side of your body, which relates to lunar energy, the parasympathetic nervous system response, and your ability to induce a state of deep inner quiet.
Sit straight in a calming position and close your eyes. Now put the right thumb on your right nostril. Close the right nostril off and breath in through your left nostril only. Inhale through the left nostril and exhale through the right only. Be slow and even while deeply breathing in and out. Practice this technique as slowly as possible with your eyes closed. Continue this practice for 10-15 minutes.
I started practicing Chandra Bhedana (Moon Breath) before going to bed and after few days noticed improvement in my quality of sleep. To yield the benefits of yoga – it actually requires an intention to make it as your lifestyle and not a crash course for a definite period of time. My sleep cycle has improved and I don’t wake up in the middle of the night. The benefits are not only limited to sound sleep. I feel more active throughout the day and I can feel my metabolism get better.
Along with practicing pranayama, I also practiced the below poses before sleep which helped me fall asleep faster and also maintain a break free sleep cycle.
- Legs Up the Wall pose (Viparita Karani)
- Child’s pose (Balasana)
- Reclining Bound angle (Supta Baddha Konasana)
- Savasana (Corpse pose)
Practice Yoga and enjoy a good night sleep 😊
