by Keira Adams
If you’re having trouble sleeping at night, you might want to consider taking up meditation. Practicing meditation can help you get a sounder and more refreshing sleep so that you’ll have more energy and ability to concentrate in the morning. It also has benefits for people who have sleep difficulties because it relaxes the muscles and soothes the mind so that they fall asleep more easily.
When those who take a wide range of pills for any number of reasons add sleeping pills to the mix, the result is often an interruption of sleep. They are frequently drowsy the next day. Meditation can help you achieve the desired result without medication, but you will need time and patience to master the technique.
There are several methods for easy meditation – listening to music or in silence, burning candles, sitting calmly and allowing your mind to drift, or by the more concentrated practice of yoga meditation. Meditation relieves tension and eases anxiety, which will lead to a more restful and refreshing sleep.
There are several tips to help you reach better results with your meditation. You could try utilizing techniques such as a mantra, which is a positive phrase repeated aloud or in your mind, listening to relaxing CDs, or focusing on deep breathing exercises. When negative thoughts creep into your head and interrupt your meditation, try sweeping them away, making room for positive thoughts.
You can more easily practice meditation techniques when you create an atmosphere that enables you to focus and shut out distractions. Try the following tips.
1. Find a location that’s quiet and where you’re not likely to be interrupted. It could be a secluded room in your home or an isolated nook in the park. Eliminate disturbances such as the TV, phone and similar irritations.
2. Make yourself comfortable. Sit in a position in which you feel relaxed. You can use cushions or pillows if you prefer. Take off your shoes and make sure you are in light, easy flowing clothing instead of something binding and uncomfortable.
3. Now relax. Shut your eyes and allow your thoughts to wander. Picture a calming scene such as a meadow of grazing sheep or a quiet pond to help you concentrate.
4. Concentrate on your breathing. Inhale deeply and focus on each breath as the air enters and exits your lungs. Practicing this kind of deep breathing will help to reduce your stress and enhance the levels of oxygen in your system.
In order to get a good night’s sleep, try practicing meditation for 10 to 15 minutes before you go to bed. This should help improve your sleep patterns, and leave you feeling nice and refreshed for the day ahead.

by Deanna Collins
by Marianna Pells
