Stretches Before Bed for Your Best Night’s Sleep

Stretches before bed
Photo by Conscious Design on Unsplash

Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the most important things that you can do for your health. For many of us, days spent sitting at a desk or long hours on our feet leave little time to exercise, though research has shown that a bit of movement makes for better quality sleep. If you’re feeling a bit stiff before bed, these stretches can help you relax and send you off to dreamland.

Reclined Hip Stretch

Lay flat on your back on your bed or a yoga mat. Bend your right knee and place your left ankle over it so that you’re creating a figure 4 shape. Gently pull your right leg toward you to increase the stretch or away to decrease. Take 10 deep breaths before repeating on the opposite side.

Neck Stretch

Begin in a seated position with your legs crossed or extended in front of you. Inhale, and place your right hand over your left ear so that your fingers are pointed down and your arm is over your head. Exhale and gently use your hand to guide your head down so that your right ear is by your right shoulder. Hold for up to 10 breaths, release, and repeat on the other side. 

Happy Baby Pose

This yoga pose is ideal for gently stretching your hamstrings and reducing lower back pain. On your bed or a yoga mat, gently lay on your back and raise your feet to meet your hands, keeping your knees bent. Hold the pose for 10 breaths or if you feel called to, slowly rock from side to side.