Sleep Meditation

We all need to sleep. When its disturbed we suffer. We're tired, irritable and find it difficult to concentrate. Over time the effects on our physical and mental health can be drastic.

So can meditation help? Let's find out ...

• Why You Can't Sleep
• Meditation and Sleep
• Do Meditators Need Less Sleep?
• Can Meditation Cure Your Insomnia?
• Sleep Meditation Techniques

Why You Can't Sleep

Sometimes there's a simple physical cause - like pain. But often its your mind and "worry" thoughts that keep you awake.

During the day you're often distracted by work or family. But at night these thoughts become more difficult to ignore. They cycle round and round as if they have a life of their own. When you're anxious or depressed they become even more dominant.

Meditation and Sleep

What happens to your body when you meditate?

Herbert Benson the famous meditation researcher says you become physically very relaxed - like sleep. But remain mentally alert.

So meditation allows your body to rest and gives your mind a break from these "worry" thoughts that seem to have a life of their own.

This means your less likely to build up anxiety and stress through the day. You'll have a more relaxed body a quieter mind at night - and sleep much better.

So do Meditators Need Less Sleep?

Its hard to be sure but Theravadan Buddhist monks - who meditate for much of the day - get by on about 5 hours. Jon Kabat-Zinn the author of Full Catastrophe Living agrees. He says meditation stopped him getting sick over a 10 year period when his child (and he) slept very little.

But can you use meditation to help you sleep?

Using Meditation To Cure Your Insomnia

So you can sleep better by meditating through the day. Say morning and evening for 20 minutes. I suggest you use Mantra Meditation or Body Scan Meditation to start with. Or go to Easy Meditation Techniques where there's a full range of free guided meditations and scripts.

But what about meditating at night just before you sleep. Can this help your insomnia?

In some cases yes. But its best to take it gently and find the best method for you. Not everyone gets on with meditating late at night. If that's you don't worry. Just return to twice daily meditation in the morning and early evening. You'll still sleep a lot better!

Click here to try 4 Sleep Meditation Techniques

Return from Sleep Meditation to Easy Meditation Techniques

Return from Sleep to Learning Modern Meditation