Poor sleep is often caused by a nervous system that cannot downshift from the stress response. Yoga supports better sleep by activating the parasympathetic nervous system through breath regulation, gentle movement, and practices like yoga nidra — a guided relaxation technique shown in research to reduce cortisol and improve sleep quality.

In my 10 Tips for Better Sleep post I talked about being mindful of what may be triggering your poor sleep so you can stop a bad night sleep before it happens. Despite best efforts there are days when it seems like no amount of mindfulness will help you unwind.

Why is it that my mind decides that 3 am is the best time to work out all of my life’s problems (some nights all of the World’s problems)? By all of life’s problems, I mean my mind literally ruminates on every problem I have and have ever had – all at one time.