The Healing Power of Sleep

THE HEALING POWER OF SLEEP

We oft times overlook the incredible healing and restorative power of sleep. Why do we sleep? Sleep is rejuvenating. It is the state in which our body “repairs” itself.

Some of the ways sleep influences our bodies include:

* A healthy immune response
* Heart health
* Lessens risk of obesity and the ensuing challenges obesity creates
* Increases mental awareness
* Decreases the onset of age-related physical challenges

What’s not to like!! But what can we do if we experience chronic insomnia? The easiest thing we can all do is daily exercise, even if it is just walking. Start with a short walk, and gradually build up your endurance. A walk after dinner in the evening is a great way to “wind down” your day.

Another very easy way to induce healthy sleep is through manipulation of our breath. Habitually practicing deep, slow breathing, after lying in bed and preparing for sleep, is something anyone can do. Just take slow, deep breaths, then exhaling as slowly as possible. Place your hands on your lower belly and imagine you are inflating, and then deflating a balloon below your hands. Just continue that breathing pattern until you drift off to sleep.

Qi Gong teaches a breathing pattern that is also excellent for inducing sleep. As you inhale through the nose, inflate the lower half of the lungs, hesitate a couple of seconds, then inflate the upper half of the lungs, then exhale very slowly through the mouth and as you exhale quietly say “ah.”

Insomnia seems to be a challenge for many – if not most – seniors. I live in an age 55 plus community, and I have taught many of my neighbors this pattern. It works for just about everyone.