Ayurveda and Sleep: Rest, Relaxation, Deeper Sleep

Problems with sleeping can be discouraging and even debilitating. Finding the right tools to get back on track can feel disheartening at times. It is possible to return to balance because Ayurveda offers tools and a practical approach to balancing sleep cycles.
Millions of Americans of all ages are affected by sleep issues. The mentality of “I’ll catch up later” or “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” has created an epidemic of long-term sleep deficit ranging from acute to chronic sleep deprivation. Our stressful treadmill lifestyle and the endless to-do list are pushing many individuals to habitually defer sleep to get other things done. This, in-turn, causes a cascade of health problems and even more stress.

Scientists have extensively studied the functions of sleep for years, but some of the most basic questions about why we sleep have been difficult to answer. We spend roughly a third of our lives asleep. Our bodies crave sleep for a good reason: there are actually serious health risks associated with sleep loss. It can have complicated effects on us physically, mentally and emotionally. Sleep deprivation impairs judgment and cognitive ability, has negatively affects our moods, emotions and hormones, increases the risk of accidents and falls, decreases libido, increases depressive tendencies, accelerates aging, increases weight gain, and increases the risk of early death.
From the Ayurvedic perspective, the importance of sleep is a part of a wholesome (sattvic) lifestyle that contributes to our health and overall well-being. Without a balance in our life through proper nutrition, routine, and sleep, we fall victim to the root cause of disease and the aging process. While we sleep our bodies and brains are able to digest, detoxify and repair. It can also improve productivity and overall quality of life.

Ayurveda explains the three pillars to well-being as food (ahara), sleep (nidra), and regulated lifestyle (brahmacharya). Quality sleep acts as a rest button for our minds and bodies, enabling us to function at peak levels during our day. Sleep is important because it enhances our vitality of life (ojas) and is the coordinator between mind, body and the inner self–better than any medicine. These components of living are deep with in the practices of Ayurveda.

If during the day our diet, daily routine and behavioral patterns create imbalance, our sleep imbalance develops.This class is for those who struggle with:

• Sleep imbalance or problems falling asleep
• Sleeping through the night without interruptions
• “The morning-after heavy feeling” or waking up un-refreshed
• Wake up tired with an aching body and a lethargic mind

Topics that will be covered in this class are:

• Basic information about Ayurveda
• How sleep functions as a natural time for the body and mind to rest, reset, detoxify, and rejuvenate
• Why balanced sleep is a staple of optimal health: “early to bed, early to rise”
• Ways to catch your Zzz’s
• Diet and lifestyle recommendations
• Sleep hygiene and supportive habits for sleep
• Making the bedroom and your bed a sacred place
• Adjusting the environment to meet your preferences and needs according to your constitution

Saturday, October 13th, 2018: 1:00-4:00 p.m. – Yoga Garden – To Register
Investment: $45 – To Register with Kamie