5 Restorative Yoga Poses for Better Sleep
Child's Pose
Place a couple of pillows or bolsters in between your knees. Sit on top of your feet with your knees as wide as the mat. Start to walk your hands forward until your forehead reaches the pillow. Turn your head to one side. After a few minutes, switch sides. This stretch relieves tension from the body and sends blood to the brain, calming the mind.
2. Legs-up-the-wall Pose
Lay on your back about six inches from the wall with your legs extended up the wall and your palms facing the ceiling. You can move closer to the wall if your legs can safely handle a bigger stretch. Lifting the legs sends blood rushing to the heart, which soothes the body, our brain begins to soften to the back of the head and the mind quietens.
3. Forward Bend Pose
Sit in a cross-legged position, or with open legs in front of a chair or wall (in which case only do cross legs). Place a pillow on the chair or against the wall and lean forward, resting your head on the pillow. Allow your arms to gently release in front of you with palms facing up. This pose releases tension in the legs and hips and sends blood to the brain to help alleviate headaches and stress.
4. Reclining Twist Pose
Lay on your back and bend one leg into your chest and then allow it to fall across your body while the other leg remains extended along the ground. Adding a cushion or bolster under your bent leg can help support your body, softening the pose and allowing you to fully relax. This twist can help relieve tension from your spine and can aid in digestion. It helps us to unwind and release not only in the physical body but in the mental body. Repeat this pose with your other leg as well.
5. Reclining Butterfly Pose
Lay over a bolster on your back with your legs bent and your palms facing the ceiling or face . Alternatively, you may place your right hand over your heart and your left hand over your stomach. Allow your bent legs to fall open against the floor with the soles of your feet touching, creating a diamond shape with your lower body. Placing a bolster or rolled up blanket under the legs allows us to soften into this pose. This pose relieves tension in the hips and legs while encouraging you to focus on calm breaths.