Sleepy While Studying or Meditating?

2 months ago By Yogi Anoop

Feel Sleepy While Studying or Meditating?

Disciple: Guruji, I often feel sleepy while studying. Why does this happen? Is it a problem?

Yogi Anoop: This is a very common question, but its answer needs to be understood in depth. Not only during studying but also while chanting, meditating, or practicing pranayama, feeling sleepy is normal. This is especially seen more in children. As soon as they are asked to study, they instantly feel tired and drowsy. This happens because, generally, studying is not an interesting subject for children. Without engaging thoughts, the mind, brain, and senses lack activity.

This is not a sign of illness, but it is important to understand why this happens.

The primary reason is the lack of attention span. Notice that interest in a subject naturally develops concentration, but sometimes concentration needs to be cultivated first to generate interest. In both these states, focus is required. During concentration, the mind, brain, and senses either experience fatigue or the muscles start relaxing.

Even after fatigue, there is a possibility of sleep because tension increases in the brain and senses, and the mind moves towards relaxation. However, during chanting, meditation, or pranayama, relaxation increases in the brain and senses. Here, instead of fatigue, the senses and brain experience a state of looseness, and the mind begins to disconnect from the focused subject, leading to sleepiness.

Another reason could be a lack of harmony between the body and mind. When the body is tired or lacks sufficient energy, the brain’s functionality gets affected, creating a sensation of drowsiness. Especially when engaged in activities that are less interesting or challenging, the brain feels fatigued quickly.

Disciple: Does this happen only in children?

Yogi Anoop: It can happen to anyone, but it is more commonly observed in children and the elderly. For instance, when children are playing, they are completely active. But as soon as they are asked to study, which is an uninteresting subject for them, their brain and senses immediately feel tired. Since their attention span is short, they quickly experience mental fatigue, resulting in drowsiness.

On the other hand, elderly people or anyone practicing chanting or meditation may also experience this. The reason is that brain cells tend to experience relaxation quickly after a short mental exercise. This relaxation cannot be sustained for long periods, leading to a state of sleepiness.

Similarly, after yoga or walking, most people feel sleepy. This is the natural result of the body and mind entering a state of comfort.

Disciple: Does this also happen during meditation, Guruji?

Yogi Anoop: Yes, this often happens during the initial practice of meditation. Focusing on a single thought or subject creates a trance-like state in the brain. This trance inhibits thoughts. As soon as the mind engages in this trance, the progression of thoughts begins to halt. In such a state, the likelihood of sleep increases.

Generally, the mind engages in wandering thoughts. But as soon as one increases concentration on a single subject during chanting or meditation, a pause in thoughts is experienced. This state induces sleep, but extending this experience as much as possible is the key to achieving significant success in meditation.

Disciple: What about during chanting?

Yogi Anoop: This can also happen during chanting. When you focus on the repetition of a single mantra, the brain experiences a form of muscular exercise. After some moments of this exercise, the brain and senses begin to relax. This is especially true for those who practice mantra chanting at a slow pace. In slow chanting, the senses and brain experience relaxation. During this relaxation, the mind lets go of the repetition of words momentarily. Sleep occurs during this time, which is more common in older individuals.

Disciple: But Guruji, some people say the mind becomes very active during chanting. Why does that happen?

Yogi Anoop: That’s true. Notice that if there is haste in mantra chanting, the brain and senses become overactive. Instead of resting, their activity increases excessively. This state is not only harmful to the mind and brain but also to various parts of the body. Its effects can be seen as tension in the jaw, throat, intestines, and stomach. Many people come to me with severe constipation complaints, and the root cause is the same.

Disciple: Is sleep related to our eyes as well?

Yogi Anoop: Yes, sleep is most closely related to the eyes and tongue (mouth). Those whose brains are highly visual absorb more colors, shapes, and images. This quickly fatigues their eye muscles. Along with this, an internal dialogue constantly takes place within them. When both of these feel tired, the brain seeks rest and attempts to induce sleep.

Disciple: Guruji, what are the remedies for this?

Yogi Anoop: The solution lies in practice. To eliminate sleep during studying, chanting, meditation, or pranayama, focus on increasing your attention span. Regular meditation and pranayama practice will stabilize your senses and mind.

Additionally, yoga asanas and pranayama improve physical and mental balance. Initially, divide your study and meditation sessions into small intervals. Take a 5-minute break every 25-30 minutes. During this time, take deep breaths and relax your brain.

Secondly, pay attention to your diet and routine. Balanced meals, adequate sleep, and regular exercise will keep your mind and body energized.

Thirdly, try to make studying more interesting to increase your interest. If your interest grows in studying, the chances of distraction and sleep will reduce.

Disciple: But Guruji, how long can this process take?

Yogi Anoop: It depends on your consistent practice. If you regularly practice meditation and pranayama, this issue can resolve in a few months. It will also improve your mental and physical alertness.

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