Correct Sleeping Posture

1 month ago By Yogi Anoop

The Correct Sleeping Posture Can Prevent Diseases: Insights from Yogi Anoop

Disciple: Guruji, what is the correct way to sleep? Is there a specific position that is best for our body and mind?

Yogi Anoop: This is a very important question. The correct way to sleep not only relaxes our body but also rejuvenates our mind and energy. In my experience, the most optimal sleeping position is lying on your back.

This is because sleeping on your back ensures that the flow of blood and oxygen to the back of the brain and the entire spinal column happens in a very proper and balanced manner. This balance provides maximum relaxation to the neurons in the brain. During the day, the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain and spine is often disrupted. When we lie straight on our back, this circulation system is deeply improved.

From another perspective, lying straight causes the flow of blood to decrease in the upper part of the body, such as the head and chest, while concentrating more on the back and spine. Just as during headstands or shoulder stands, blood flow increases toward the head and decreases in the lower parts of the body (waist and legs). After some time, when the body returns to its normal position, the blood flows back to these areas. I consider this process a form of blood purification.

It is also important to note that in this position, no part of the body experiences pressure, allowing it to relax completely. Since the back of the body, or the spine, is the strongest part, lying in this position for an extended period provides it with the most energy. The spine, being the link between the brain and the rest of the body, facilitates communication between them. This connection can only be optimized when blood and oxygen circulate properly through the spine for a certain period. This optimal state is possible only by lying straight on your back.

Disciple: Guruji, but many people sleep on their sides or on their stomachs. Is that okay?

Yogi Anoop: Sleeping on your side may be fine in certain circumstances, but sleeping on your stomach is not considered suitable from any perspective.

This is because sleeping on your stomach puts unnecessary pressure on the front parts of the body, including the chest and stomach. It even creates noticeable pressure on the front part of the brain. Note that in this position, the pressure on the chest and stomach increases significantly, and the circulation of blood in the spine is greatly reduced. This hinders the natural energy transfer within the major neurons of the spine. Additionally, sleeping on your stomach disrupts the regularity of breathing, preventing deep and restful sleep. As a result, you may wake up in the morning feeling unrested.

If you must sleep on your side, it is better to sleep on your right side. This increases the supply of oxygen and blood to the right side of the brain and body. However, this temporarily reduces blood and oxygen supply to the left side of the body, which activates the Ida Nadi. This leads to deeper sleep and promotes effective healing.

Disciple: Guruji, what is the ideal duration for sleep?

Yogi Anoop: For a healthy life, 5–7 hours of deep and peaceful sleep are essential. In my experience, if you sleep on your back and improve the quality of your sleep, even 5 hours can be sufficient.

Keep in mind that the quality of sleep is more important than its quantity. If the quality of your sleep is poor, you will need more hours of sleep. Conversely, if the quality improves, the required hours of sleep will naturally decrease.

Disciple: Guruji, what happens if someone does not sleep in the correct position?

Yogi Anoop: If you sleep in the wrong position, it can have negative effects on your body and mind. You may feel unsatisfied with your sleep. Gastric issues and bloating may increase. You might experience heaviness in the head and body, and your appetite may increase unnaturally. You may crave spicy or sweet foods more often.

Most importantly, a lack of proper sleep can lead to reduced self-satisfaction, which may result in increasing sexual frustration.

I have always considered sleep as an indirect form of meditation.

Disciple: Guruji, what else should be kept in mind for proper sleep?

Yogi Anoop: To ensure proper sleep, it is essential to develop some techniques to relax and loosen the muscles of the body and brain at night. To achieve this relaxation, not only should you eat dinner early in the evening, but you should also practice some yoga and pranayama, which can help relax the muscles of the brain.

As soon as you lie down on the bed, your attention often gets caught in wandering thoughts. To calm this, you should practice some specific pranayama techniques in that position, which will help relax the brain and senses and stop the race of thoughts. After this, the connection between the mind and body will break, allowing the brain to enter a state of deep sleep.

Book An Appointment