Yoga is a mind-body practice that combines careful movements, focused breathing, and being present in the moment. It started over 3,000 years ago in India and has many different styles, each with its own poses, breathing methods, and meditation. Yoga has many benefits for your well-being, including better mental and emotional health, reduced stress, relief from some types of pain, weight loss, and improved sleep. This article will focus on how yoga can help you sleep better. Does Yoga Really Help You Sleep? According to the Sleep Foundation, more than half of people who practice yoga say their sleep has improved, and over 85% report less stress. Many studies show that yoga can help different groups of people sleep better. These studies usually look at the quality of sleep, not just how much sleep someone gets. That's because getting more sleep doesn't always mean better sleep or feeling good. Good quality sleep usually means feeling energized during the day and not being woken up easily at night. Yoga and Insomnia Insomnia means you can't fall asleep or stay asleep. It can lead to feeling sleepy and unfocused during the day, memory problems, and mood changes. Studies show that yoga can be very helpful in managing sleep problems like insomnia. Yoga is especially good for certain groups with insomnia, such as women after menopause and women with breast cancer. Yoga and Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) Restless leg syndrome is an uncomfortable or even painful urge to move your legs. This urge often happens when you're still, like at night. RLS affects more women than men. In a small study of women with RLS, their symptoms got much better after just eight weeks of yoga classes. Their sleep, stress, and mood also improved a lot. While more research is needed, these results suggest that yoga is a helpful tool for improving sleep in people with RLS. How Often Should You Practice Yoga for Better Sleep? Doing yoga sometimes will likely help your sleep quality more than not doing it at all. However, people who practice yoga regularly and over a long period tend to get better quality sleep. If you want to use yoga to improve your sleep, try to make it a regular part of your routine. This could mean going to classes weekly, setting aside a specific time to practice at home, or doing a mix of both. Here are some poses recommended by the Sleep Foundation, doing these poses can help you induce sleep and make you feel rested. Standing Forward Bend (Uttanasana) Start standing, then gently fold your body forward over your legs. Let your hands rest wherever comfortable – on your elbows, shins, or the floor. This pose helps calm your mind. Reclined Butterfly (Supta Baddha Konasana) Lie on your back, press the bottoms of your feet together, and let your knees gently fall open to the sides. You can keep your arms by your sides or above your head for a gentle stretch. Legs Up the Wall (Viparita Karani) Lie on your back and rest your legs straight up against a wall, forming an "L" shape with your body. Keep your arms relaxed at your sides. This pose is very calming and restorative. Corpse Pose (Savasana) Often the last pose in a yoga session, lie flat on the floor. Place your arms by your sides with palms facing up, and your legs straight. This pose helps you fully relax your body and mind.