Henry Carlson
Meditation has always been a form of retreat for a lot of people. Over the years, people have experienced the incredible benefits of meditation to their physical and mental well-being. Hence, several individuals have adopted this practice into their daily routines and lifestyle.
This practice is known to quiet the mind, leading to numerous advantages in your life. If you have not yet tried this before, now is the best time to look into it and its possible effects on your life. If you are wondering if meditation is best done at night, we have the answers for you.
When Is the Best Time to Meditate?
People have attested to the benefits of mindful relaxation before going to bed; however, this practice can also be done at other times. Here are a few situations that are best resolved by meditation.
Meditation in the Morning
It is always a good time to do meditation right after waking up. Many people practice this in the morning because they can instantly stay and maintain the calmness of their minds. This is a great practice to start the day right while aligning and organizing your thoughts and intents for the whole day.
This can be done through simple breathing exercises ranging from five minutes right after getting out of bed or longer. With a clear mind, you will be more effective in focusing on the things that will make your day productive and smoother.
Meditation Before Bedtime
Many people incorporate the habit of meditation before sleeping for a variety of reasons. Those who often experience a rough and chaotic day may find it hard to drift off. This also applies to those suffering from sleeping disorders and conditions like insomnia.
It has been tested and proven that meditation enables a person to have better sleep quality. This happens when the body starts to calm and relax, allowing you to let go and ease into slumber. Needless to say, meditation is effective in helping a person fall asleep easier.
Meditation When Stressed
So far, meditation is one of the best practices that can be done to combat high levels of stress, anxiety, and elevated blood pressure associated with emotional turmoil. This paves the way to a clearer and calmer state of mind. It also facilitates better decision-making strategies, especially under extreme stress and tension.
What Kind of Meditation Can You Do Before Going to Bed?
The answer to your question is a giant “yes.” You can definitely meditate before bed. In fact, this gives you a better night’s rest, and its benefits ripples throughout the day. Here are some meditation techniques that you can try at night.
Concentration
This is done by simply focusing on one thing. Some people do it by focusing on a candle’s flame or a piece of flower resting on a vase. You choose which item to focus on, and if it helps, you can even come up with a mantra that can help you concentrate better.
Mindfulness
This type of meditation focuses on your body. This includes being attuned to your senses. It can be the feeling of your bed, the rhythm of your breath, or the sensation you get from touching something. The important thing is to keep your mind focused on your body and nothing else.
Guided Meditation
Guided meditation is the practice of having another person talk you into the meditation process. You may be asked to close your eyes and do breathing exercises while concentrating on the person’s voice. You will have to picture what that person is saying and feel as if you are in the setting being narrated. From there, you can be in a meditative state in no time.
The Benefits of Meditation to Sleep
1. Fights Insomnia and Other Sleeping Disorders
The number one cause of sleep deprivation is sleeping disorders, including insomnia. When a person is deprived of sufficient rest, they lose the chance to function optimally throughout the day. Meditation may help make it easier for them to fall and stay asleep. Maintaining this practice can minimize or eliminate the harmful effects of these conditions.
2. Promotes Better Sleep Hygiene
A person who meditates can create good sleep hygiene through regular practice. Since it is mastered through constant practice, you also set your circadian rhythm into a steadier and better-paced cycle. Making this a habit will create a vast and positive impact on your life.
3. Improves Mental Health
We all know that sleep deprivation plays a big part in most mental health problems, including depression, anxiety issues, and more. Hence, meditation is recommended for those who are suffering from these conditions. Better sleep means better mental health, so start your meditation practice now if you have been struggling with those.
When Is Meditation Discouraged?
The answer to this question would vary as people engage in meditation for different reasons. While some find meditation a gateway to falling asleep faster and better at night, there are still those who think otherwise. Some people practice meditation to wake their minds and body to prepare to engage in certain activities. People who have been accustomed to using meditation to keep them on their feet may find it hard to switch and get different results, especially before bedtime. So if you are one of the many who does meditation to keep yourself active and ready for a busy day, this may not be the solution to improve your sleep quality.
Final Thoughts
So, is meditation recommended before sleeping? The answer to this question may vary, but let’s not forget those who have attested to the incredible benefits that meditation contributes to one’s sleep quality. The goal of meditation is to quiet your mind and relax your body. As long as this is achieved, you can control your thoughts and reap your desired results.
Try to meditate before bed by learning more about the meditation types mentioned above. Who knows? This may have been the one thing you missed out on. Start learning the art of meditation and feel the positive effects ripple throughout your life.
Check out our list of the best meditation cushions to start your meditation practice off right.
Additional Resources
Henry’s first job was in the furniture and mattress industry as a sales associate. From there, he moved up to merchandising specialist for several years and then became an assistant manager. Working in the industry gave him access to a lot of products and also helped him gain in-depth knowledge.
