Chanting Your Way to Slumberland: Mantras and Doctor’s Advice for a Good Night’s Sleep
In today’s breakneck world and our unorganized lifestyle, getting a good 7 to 8 hours of sleep is like a dream come true. We all go through the struggle of turning and tossing for hours and hours without a single sign of sleep knocking our eyes and brains. Our brain races with thoughts about the upcoming day and its schedule or the anxieties and worries of the day that just passed. While sometimes feeling sleepless is sort of normal, chronic sleep issues can have a powerful and evident impact on our physical as well as mental health.
Many of us are struggling to fall asleep or just stay asleep, and we all have tried a variety of techniques and ideas to quiet our minds and drift off to Dreamland. With the current atmosphere of spirituality and religious impact, one approach that is gaining wide popularity is the use of mantras and meditation. Mantras are nothing but chants or phrases that are repeated silently or aloud to help conquer a state of relaxation and focus.
The Powers of Mantras for Sleep
The notion behind using mantras for a good and comfortable sleep is simple: by focusing or concentrating on a calming word or phrase, one can quiet the chatter and noises in their mind and nurture feelings of tranquility and peace. This can work as a signal for your body to calm down and prepare for sleep.
There are many different mantras that can be used for a good sleep. Some really popular options are:
“Om”- This is a sacred syllable of Hinduism, it is believed to represent the ultimate reality. Chanting Om can help to attract your attention and positivity and promote a sense of inner peace.
“So Hum”- This mantra means “I am That” and is widely used in meditation practices. Repetitive chanting of this mantra can help to bring one’s awareness to the present moment and decrease anxiety.
“I am Calm and Peaceful”- This one simple mantra or quote can work as a powerful way of self-soothing. Its deliberate and repeated chanting makes you believe the power of mantra and that trust allows your body to relax.
How to Use Mantras for Sleep
There is no Ninja technique to use a mantra for sleep. Here are some general tricks and tips:
- Choose a mantra that strikes a chord with you. Go with one that you find meaningful and calming.
- A comfortable position to lie down is your first step so make sure to choose the right one. Then close your eyes and take some slow breaths.
- Calmly start chanting your mantra. Put more focus on the sync between the sound of the words and the feeling of your breath moving in and out of your body.
- If your brain tries to be wanderlust, gently bring your attention back to mantras.
- Continue the chanting as long as you can or like, or until you feel yourself embracing the sleep.
Doctor’s Advice for Sleep Hygiene
While mantras can be a helpful tool for sleep, they cannot be considered as pure cure. For regenerative sleep, it’s compulsory to follow and practice good sleep hygiene. Good sleep hygiene means creating a predictable sleep schedule, going to bed, and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends and holidays.
Here are some tips from sleep doctors and health professionals for improving sleep hygiene :
- Creating a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: Taking a warm bath, reading a book, or listening to calming music are part of this routine.
- Make sure the bedroom is dark, quiet and cool
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed.
- Get regular exercise, avoid strenuous activity close to bedtime
- See a doctor if you continue to have trouble sleeping: There may be some underlying medical condition affecting your sleep.
Combing Mantras and Doctor’s Advice for a Restful Night’s Sleep
The best way to cure sleep problems is often a compilation of strategies and solutions. By weaving mantras into your bedtime routine along with good sleep hygiene practices, one can create a powerful and effective sleep promoting toolkit.
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Here are a few evening routines that combine both mantras and doctor’s advice:
- Relax and destress in the Evening: Avoid TV, using gadgets, or working on stimulating tasks.
- Take a Warm Shower or Bath: This helps in relaxing muscles and preparing the body for sleep.
- Dim Lights in the Bedroom
- Comfortable Nightwears
- Lie Down in Bed and Begin to Silently Repeat Your Chosen Mantra: While focusing on breathing, allow the body to relax.
- If you Find Yourself Unable to Fall Asleep After 20 Minutes, Get Out of Bed and Do a Relaxing Activity Until You Feel Tired: Avoid the use of electronic gadgets and TV.
By following these steps and being steady with the sleep routine, one can train their mind and body to link bedtime with sleep and relaxation.
Good sleep is a necessity for our overall health and wellness.