Meditation
5 mins
Slow Down Before Bed
with Cordelia Simpson
A 5-minute breathwork practice to soften and slow down before bed.
Read MoreMeditation before bed can be a powerful tool for improving sleep. Many of us get into bed with racing minds, still running through our to-do lists and replaying the various stresses of the day. So, why does meditation help with sleep?
1. It can reduce stress
Meditation helps to shift your body from a sympathetic state, your ‘stress/fight or flight’ state, into a parasympathetic state, your rest and digest state. Optimum sleep occurs when we’re relaxed, so using breathwork, mindfulness, and meditation practices to prompt a state of peace and calm can improve sleep quality.
2. It speeds up the time it takes to fall asleep
The activation of the parasympathetic nervous system can lead to a decrease in heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels, all of which contribute to a more peaceful state conducive to falling asleep.
3. It improves sleep quality
Regular meditation practice before bed can help you transition into deeper, more restorative sleep stages and reduce the number of night-time awakenings.
4. It supports a good night-time routine
Creating a regular night-time wind-down routine has been shown to improve sleep, signalling to your body that it’s time to wind down. Creating that consistency through a meditation practice can be highly effective.
Breathwork for sleep
If you’re new to meditation and mindfulness, then starting with breathwork can be a great entry point. The classes are easy to follow and suitable for everyone, whether you’ve practiced before or not.
