Guided Sleep Meditation For Insomnia
Guided sleep meditation is an effective way to unwind the mind and body before bed. This simple trick may also benefit those suffering from insomnia, as it reduces the time it takes for people to fall asleep and wake up during the night – a phenomenon referred to as sleep latency.
Sometimes, sleep can be disrupted by racing thoughts that don’t get suppressed throughout the day, leading to anxiety and depression. Guided sleep meditation helps you release these worrying thoughts by focusing on your breath and body during a “body scan” exercise.
Some guided sleep meditations use music or a voice to help you focus and slow down racing thoughts. Although these audio recordings tend to be brief, they can be an excellent way to relax your mind before bed.
Another option is practicing progressive muscle relaxation, a simple yet powerful pre-bed meditation that helps to loosen every muscle in the body by slowly releasing tension.
You can find many free guided sleep meditations online, such as YouTube videos and Insight Timer. To maximize the benefits from meditation, set a specific time each night to meditate and adhere to an established schedule.
Meditation and other relaxation methods may not be enough to promote sleep, but many people with insomnia have discovered that regular physical activity helps them fall asleep more easily. Try doing some light exercises like tai chi or low-impact yoga but avoid high impact activities as these could disrupt your regular sleeping pattern.