How Naked Yoga & Meditation Can Improve Sleep

Studies have shown that average sleeping time has been on a global decline since the 1980s, and the pandemic of 2020 has only made things worse, thanks to the added personal and financial stresses caused by lockdowns and health risks. More than half of adults worldwide report not getting enough sleep, and in America a growing number of people are sleeping less than 6 hours a night. 

Whether people are sleeping less due to anxiety, longer work hours, or unhealthier lifestyles, inadequate sleep comes at a huge cost. 

“Not getting enough sleep is so unhealthy for the brain that it negatively affects the entire body and spills over into every area of your life. ”

Chronic lack of sleep has been linked to:

• High blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke

• Diabetes

• Hormone imbalances

• Increased risk of car accidents and accidents on the job

• Decreased concentration and motivation

• Memory loss

• Depression and other mental health problems

• Premature aging

• Weight gain

• Decreased libido

Not getting enough sleep is so unhealthy for the brain that it negatively affects the entire body and spills over into every area of your life. But while these statistics can seem disheartening, there is equally strong evidence for the health benefits of yoga and meditation on sleep. And practitioners of Naked Yoga especially report experiencing even more added benefits.

Some of the ways Naked Yoga and Meditation benefit sleep include:

Better Temperature Regulation

The absence of restrictive clothing allows you to retain less heat, and lower body temperature has been shown to help you fall asleep faster and wake up less throughout the night. 

Improved Blood Circulation

Without tight clothes restricting arteries and veins during your practice, blood can flow more freely and effectively, which is healthier for your cardiovascular system overall and can lead to less aches and discomfort during sleep.

Less Snoring

Studies have shown that regular Yogic breathing techniques stretch and strengthen the upper airway muscles, which can lead to more efficient breathing during sleep, greater lung capacity, and increased oxygen saturation, all of which can lead to fewer sleep disturbances caused by snoring and sleep apnea. 

Decreased Stress

The mindfulness techniques used in Naked Yoga and Meditation can lead to a stronger mind-body connection, helping you feel more grounded, less anxious, and more able to fall asleep at night. Mindfulness has also been shown to improve sleep quality by reducing the stress hormone cortisol. 

Better Mental Health

Naked Yoga practitioners report higher levels of self-love, acceptance, confidence, and body-positivity. When you feel good about yourself, it radiates over to all areas of your life, making you happier overall and less likely to experience anxiety, depression, and other insomnia-inducing mental health problems. 

Fall Asleep Faster:

Doing a restorative yoga program or calming meditation right before bed lowers the heart rate and can help you ease off into sleep more easily.

Try our Bedtime Yoga for Better Sleep or Relaxing Into Sleep Meditation to help you catch some serious zzz’s tonight!