The disorder where one cannot fall asleep or remain asleep long enough to feel rested is known as Insomnia. This is one of the biggest complaints we hear from people nowadays, especially the younger generation. It is known to be a symptom of other problems like stress, depression, anxiety or a health condition. It is called chronic Insomnia if it lasts longer than a month.

There are a lot of causes for this sleep disorder ranging from depression, hormonal changes or heartburn. The most common cause is stress. Many illnesses too cause Insomnia like cancer , arthritis, and fibromyalgia. Many times your food and beverage choices to affect your sleep. Drinking coffee, energy drinks and alcohol may also lead to sleeplessness.

A research study at Harvard Medical school has reported that a lot of people with insomnia who have chosen to start doing Yoga have benefitted from it, and there has been a tremendous improvement in their sleep.

Now let us look at some poses  of Yoga that are beneficial for sleeping:

1. Siddhasana: Sit upright not necessarily straight or uptight folding your legs, sit in the meditation position and close your eyes.

Get enveloped by the silence. If any thought comes your way,  don’t shove them back. Just let them come and go. This pose is generally used for meditation.

If it doesn’t help you sleep, at least it would help you guide your mind to a relaxed place. Its a start towards a peaceful mind.

2. Viparita Karani also known as Legs up the wall pose: For doing this pose, firstly find an open space near the wall, then sit in a position that the feet are on the floor spread out in front of you,  the left side of the body touches the wall.

Now exhale a breath, lie on the back, and make sure that legs are pressed against the wall, and the soles of your feet face upwards. Also make sure that your back and headrest on the floor , body making a 90-degree angle. Keep something under your hips to prop you up.

Breathe deeply, hold the position for the least of five minutes, release and sit up. This asana helps you soothe your mind as it has therapeutic benefits for conditions like arthritis, depression,   headaches, digestive problems too.

3. Paschimottanasana: Sit straight, with legs stretched out in front of you, making sure that your toes are bend towards you.

Raise your arms over your head, inhale and stretch. Than exhale bend forward and fold from your hips, the chin should be towards the toes. Then stretch your arms till the toes, inhaling lift your head slowly, which will lengthen your spine, exhale move the navel towards the knees, repeating this place your head on the legs and hold the position.

Come towards the sitting position, exhale and lower your arms. This asana has its significance because it cures diseases, reduces obesity and mainly relieves stress, anxiety and mild depression.

Since ancient times Yoga has helped people with miraculous cures. It has been proved that a lot of physical conditions of the body are cured by Yoga, which ultimately leads to helping people sleep. Its benefits are now widely understood.

It also increases physical strength, improves breathing and helps in concentration and mental focus. Sometimes a basic lifestyle change like opting for Yoga is your answer for undisturbed sleep.