The Energy of Sleep

Someone somewhere declared March “National Sleep Awareness Month”.  From a Traditional Chinese Medicine point of view this makes sense, as March also marks the start of spring, when the active, expansive Yang energy begins to rise. Nature is awakening from its most quiescent, Yin winter slumber.  Daylight lengthens, trees begin to bud, bulbs push up through the earth. Those of us who are sensitive to seasonal changes might also have sleep difficulties during this time. 

Read below what the Mayo Clinic has to say. Notice that two of the three suggested techniques for clearing the mind before bedtime are also Qigong exercises that we practice in each and every class.  

“March is National Sleep Awareness Month. As busy as we are these days, sleep often seems like an afterthought. However, sleep is as fundamental to our health and well-being as fresh air, clean water and nutritious food. 

Evidence indicates that one of the behaviors most strongly associated with poor sleepers is the habit of ruminating about important matters at bedtime or right after getting into bed. Finding ways to clear your mind at bedtime can produce substantial sleep improvement. 

Here are three techniques to try:

1.   Gratitude practice:  I like to practice a ritual of being thankful for three things at the end of my day before I go to sleep. This increases optimism and, if practiced regularly, reduces the risk of heart attack after a few years. Focusing on gratitude also relaxes me and helps me forget about the things I didn't get accomplished that day.

2.  Mindfulness meditation:  This stress-reduction technique is simple and effective. The idea is to cultivate an acute awareness of the present moment and to let go of everything else. Focusing your awareness onto the sensations of becoming at rest — the sinking of your body into the bed, the softness of your pillow, the slowing of your breath — and keeping it there helps to dissipate stressful thoughts.

3.  Schedule worry time:  If worries about work, school, family or other concerns keep you awake at night, try to deal with them before bedtime. Set aside a dedicated time when you write down your concerns and then brainstorm possible solutions.

Sleep rejuvenates us, rests us, replenishes our energy and immune systems, and restores our mental sharpness. So don't put off sleep any longer — seize the night!”