6 Simple Tips From Sri Sri Ravi Shankar To Sleep Better That You Did Not Know

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A good night's sleep is essential for health as it provides rest and restoration for the mind and body. But sleep eludes millions of us worldwide. The National Institute of Health estimates that roughly 30% of the general population complains of sleep disruption, and show symptoms of insomnia, and about 10-15% of adults suffer from chronic insomnia. But did you know there are very simple tips you can use to get deep sleep?

People find it difficult to fall or stay asleep, hence they are not able to provide their bodies with good rest to recover from the tiredness and fatigue. The negative effects can be devastating, like high blood pressure, obesity, depression, poor concentration, fatigue, anxiety, brain fog and much more. A study at the University of Pennsylvania has shown that extended periods of sleeplessness can lead to irreversible brain damage. Here, sleeping pills can seem like the perfect cure, but it doesn't give a permanent solution. One will need higher and higher doses every time. There is just one root cause for all this: stress. Addressing this underlying stress is crucial for achieving restorative sleep and overall well-being.

Global spiritual master, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar shares 6 unique secrets for getting a good night's sleep

1. Meditation: A natural remedy for insomnia and better sleep - "A relaxed mind leads to better sleep. Learn to release the stress from the body and mind, and sleep will come naturally," says Gurudev. Meditation is a way to get deeper rest and get relief from stress. It's a powerful tool for better health, serving as an energizer for the mind. It calms the nervous system and soothes the mind.

The Science Behind Meditation

By doing meditation, your brain is trained to control and reduce your emotional responses. UCLA research has shown that by doing long-term meditation, your grey matter increases. The hippocampus which creates a long-term memory from your experiences, loses 5% efficiency every 10 years. That's why many people develop memory problems as they age. Meditation makes your hippocampus more effective. It improves your memory. Apart from this, meditation makes your cortex more wrinkly. So that more information can be stored. The amygdala, the part of the brain, that triggers emotional responses, decides the intensity of anxiety, aggression, and fear. With regular practice of meditation, the size of the Amygdala shrinks, reducing the intensity of these emotions.

"In today's world, where stress and tension are so prevalent, meditation is more essential than ever. The greater your responsibilities, the greater your need for meditation and proper rest." Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

2. Planting Positive Seeds Before Sleep - Before bed, many of us dwell on our failures and disappointments, letting them seep into our subconscious. This can lead to waking up feeling tired, negative, and frustrated. Instead, focus on your achievements and positive moments, or say a prayer of gratitude. Plant these positive thoughts before sleep, and you'll wake up feeling refreshed and alive.

3. Let go of the urge to sleep - The thought of " I want to sleep quickly" can keep us awake. Instead, allow yourself to relax naturally by letting go of the need to fall asleep. Calming thoughts or deep breathing can help ease you into a restful state. During this time, practicing Yog Nidra can be very beneficial.

4. Early Dinner - Have an early dinner, as eating late, can lead to having a high metabolic rate, which can cause disturbed sleep.

5. Calming the Mind for Better Sleep- Anxiety about tomorrow or lingering thoughts of the past often keep us awake, making it hard to sleep. The root cause of sleeplessness often lies in these worries. The only solution to get relief from this is daily pranayama and meditation several times a day.

6. Sleep on the left side- It is a good idea to try and sleep on your left side around 50%- 60% of the time that you sleep. If you have had a heavy meal or late dinner and you sleep on your right side, you will tend to have poor sleep whereas if you sleep on your left even after an occasional late dinner, you will not be that disturbed during your sleep.

Quality sleep is vital for health, yet many face persistent sleep disruptions. Addressing underlying stress through meditation and adopting effective sleep practices-like positive thoughts right before sleeping, making a prayer, being grateful, early dinner, and calming techniques-can improve sleep quality. All these simple adjustments will enhance restfulness and create a more refreshing and restorative sleep experience.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.