Sleep meditation is an effective tool for getting a good night’s rest. It works by building a mind-body connection to create the environment that will enable you to relax and fall asleep more easily, while also reducing stress levels.
5 min sleep meditation is a great way to de-stress before going to bed, and it can help you fall asleep more quickly when it’s time to do so. It can also have other positive effects on your health as well, like boosting your immune system and increasing your ability to learn new information.
Start by focusing on your breath. Breathe in for a count of 1 and out for a count of 10. If you notice that your mind is wandering, simply bring it back to counting.
You can also use visualization to relax, especially if your anxious thoughts are causing you to wake up during the night or preventing you from falling asleep. You can practice visualization for just 5 minutes a day, or you can do it more frequently until it becomes a habit.
Try Headspace for a guided meditation or use their 30-day Sleep course (available only to Headspace subscribers) if you want to build a long-term habit that will lead to better sleep. In addition to calming stories, music, and visualizations, Headspace’s Sleep course includes a single meditation that can be used at bedtime to send you off to sleep in the right frame of mind.