Why do I feel so much energy after doing Kriya Yoga at night and I feel unable to sleep after that? Isn’t meditation supposed to relax the mind?

Ans:

It is common for new mothers to feel this way, since the body is recovering. Lack of sleep further builds stress and fatigue.

To begin with, you need to embrace lots of patience and start with the following measures:

1. Deep breathing and Anulom Vilom for 15 minutes every day; don’t do Kapalbhati as of now.

2. Om chanting for 15 minutes.

These will help reduce the anxiety; anxiety leads to lack of sleep and loss of energy.

Also, watch your food habits.

Try not to binge-eat or eat late at night as it aggravates anxiety and disturbs sleep.

Over consumption of tea and coffee hampers sleep in multiple ways.

 

Ans: Hello Sir, you need to increase the gap between dinner and sleep to a minimum of two hours so that the food is completely digested. As a part of sleep regime - take a stroll outside or even inside the house one hour after dinner for abt 15-30 minutes, depending on your stamina. A good sleep also needs a relaxed mind, therefore, try anulom vilom for 10-15 minutes and 5 minutes of Om chanting before your lie down for sleep. Hope this helps. You can also try half a cup of chamomile tea before hitting the bed.

Ans: The key to good sleep is a peaceful mind and calm stomach. Therefore, eat at least 2 hours before sleep, practice Vajrasana after dinner, followed by light walk. Before sleeping practice Shavasana and Yog Nidra for a deep and peaceful sleep. Also practice anulom vilom and deep breathing for 5-10 minutes.

Ans: Yes, yoga and meditation can certainly help you relax and get better sleep. But before that it is important to identify what could be the reasons for poor quality sleep. Basic sleep hygiene practices are also important - such as not taking caffeine or naps after 4pm, minimizing anything that'll put you in an alert state around bed time such as intense exercise or work discussions, cool room at around 21C, room to be dark with minimal disturbance, getting appropriate sunlight exposure upon waking up, going to bed at the same time each day and getting out of bed at the same time. And if you have a habit of thinking/worrying/planning while lying in bed yoga/pranayama/meditation can help you come into a nice relaxed state conducive to sleep. Look up guided practices like body scan, and yoga nidra. You can also explore Pranayama such as Bhramari. All the best!