Does yoga help in improving sleep quality?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been doubling down on my yoga practice over the past year. Well, I have noticed some interesting side effects in the sleep department. No matter how exhausted I am after an intense vinyasa flow or hot yoga class, I seem to toss and turn for hours once I get into bed. Like my body is just buzzin' with energy, and I cannot shut off, ya know? But then I will finally pass out and sleep like an absolute log until morning. It is the weirdest thing. My question is, could this relate to yoga's impacts on posture, breathing, and physical alignment? Maybe it is throwing off my natural sleep cycle in some wacky way at first before allowing higher-quality rest. I have read about yoga Nidra and other practitioners claiming it can enhance your sleep, but I am experiencing the opposite currently. Just wondering if this is a normal adjustment phase or something I should be concerned about. Kindly suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Yoga has effects on the body but in a positive way. Any kind of intense workout or yoga creates such after-effects on the body due to effects on the nervous system and increased blood circulation. Make sure to finish the sessions at least an hour before bedtime. It is quite natural to feel this way. Following a pattern and relaxation of the mind and the body is very important. Include separate deep and mindful breathing exercises after every yoga session. I hope you find this helpful.

Thank you.