Yoga Body Birmingham logo

Yoga To Help You Sleep

Sarah Carroll • Apr 10, 2022

How to get more sleep

If you’re feeling stressed, anxious or worried about something it’s likely this will upset your sleep. Sleep deprivation then triggers higher levels of cortisol and adrenaline in our bodies, which makes us feel more stressed and means we have a rubbish sleep and the cycle continues.

Poor sleep negatively affects our ability to learn, memory and behaviour. It can also make it more difficult to control our weight, in one extensive study, people who slept 4 hours a night for two nights running had a 24% increase in appetite, craved sweet, starchy and salty foods and lost interest in fruit, vegetables, protein and dairy products. 

Here’s some tips on how to improve your sleep:

1) Go to bed! No, not after one more episode, right now! This is probably the simplest, go to bed at a decent time. If you don’t go to bed till 2am, you’re not going to get a full night’s sleep no matter what!

2) Put your phone down and turn the TV off. Try and give yourself a good 30 mins before bed where you’re not on you’re not looking at a screen. You could read, meditate, do yoga or listen to music. The blue light from our devices actually blocks a hormone called Melatonin, this hormone is what makes us feel sleepy.

3) Stay hydrated. At least one litre to a litre-and-a-half a day should do the trick as not only do you lose water throughout the night, but being well hydrated can help reduce awakenings and disruptions caused by dehydration, such as a dry mouth and leg cramps. TOP TIP: If you often forget to stay hydrated, set alarms evenly throughout your day, and drink a glass of water whenever they ring.”

4) Reduce your caffeine intake, especially nearer to bedtime. Remember, caffeine isn’t just coffee, tea and soft drinks all contain caffeine which can interfere with how tired you feel and your ability to have a peaceful night.

5) Exercise. If you struggle to get to sleep because you don’t feel tired, try a short workout in the evening to burn off any surplus you may have.

6) Take a warm bath or shower. After a warm bath or shower the body uses energy to cool the body core temperature back down to its regular level, this can leave you feeling sleepy and mean this is the perfect time to hop into bed and catch some zzzz.

7) Essential oils and aromatherapy are a great way to trigger those sleepy feelings. Lavender is often the go to, if you’re not keen on Lavender or want to add something else you might want to take a look at Chamomile, Ylang Ylang, Peppermint and Bergamot. All of these help to lower blood pressure and heart rate, as well as combatting feelings of stress and anxiety.

***Please be sure to do your research into essential oils before use, as with anything certain oils can have side effects and can clash with certain conditions and medications. If you’re unsure google the name of the oil you’re interested in and the word ‘contraindications’ and /or the name of any condition you may have or medication you may be taking. If in doubt, don’t and consult a qualified aromatherapist.***

8) Do yoga! - of course this would be one of my tips! Yoga is wonderful for mind and body any time of day, but slowing right down and enjoying some gentle stretches and quiet time is the perfect way to prepare for bed.

Click below for a 20 minute super, slow and sleepy bedtime yoga routine you can follow along with at home in your PJs. 

Goodnight! x
Bedtime Yoga

Are you pregnant or had a baby and looking for yoga or hypnobirthing classes?


Check out my timetable of pregnancy and postnatal yoga classes in Sutton Coldfield and join us!

Yoga Body Birmingham Blog

by Sarah Carroll 31 Oct, 2023
Pregnancy due dates - are they reliable or are they nonsense?
Woman trying to remember
by Sarah Carroll 20 Oct, 2023
Why is it so hard to concentrate and remember things during pregnancy and early motherhood?
Woman thinking about how to make her birth less painful
by Sarah Carroll 13 Oct, 2023
Let's look at pain, how do we perceive pain and how can we manage it?
Postnatal hairloss
by Sarah Carroll 06 Oct, 2023
A topic as common as baby giggles, but not as fun or talked about. Let's take a look at why it's happening and why
What is hypnobirthing?
by Sarah Carroll 29 Sept, 2023
Are you scared at the thought of labour and birth? Are you a birth partner wondering how you can support your loved one?
pregnant woman in hospital gown sat on birth ball with midwife behind her and man sat next to her
by Sarah Carroll 06 Sept, 2023
Pregnancy yoga is a great way to connect with your body and baby during this incredible stage of your life, but what actual benefits does it have when it comes to labour and birth?
woman doing yoga with arm stretched upwards and sun behind her
by Sarah Carroll 27 Aug, 2023
What is the pelvic floor? Why should I look after it? How do I strengthen my pelvic floor?
pink flower in a grey bowl
by Sarah Carroll 27 Aug, 2023
A mother's circle is a supportive gathering of mothers who come together to share their experiences, challenges, and joys of motherhood.
3 pregnant women and their birth partners sat on floor with 4th woman in a class setting
by Sarah Carroll 08 Jan, 2022
Scared of giving birth? Learn how to beat the fear and take control of your birth.
pink heart outline on black background
by Sarah Carroll 27 Dec, 2021
Feeling bloated? Give these yoga moves a go to help you find some relief.
More posts
Share by: