We spend, on average, one third of our lives asleep. Everything from the day's events to where we sleep can effect the quality of sleep we get. In Ayurveda, there are several key things to remember when wanting a good night of rest.
- The body must be calm. In order to have this happen, all food should be digested before laying down for bed. Eat 4 hours before sleep. If you get hungry, a piece of fruit 2 hours before bed will be okay.
- To help fall asleep, a glass of warm milk with tumeric helps to sooth and relax by releasing hormones that aid with sleep.
- The mind must be calm. Meditating right before bed can consciously calm the mind and body to prepare for sleep.
- Be in bed before 10. 10 PM to 2 AM is when the most valuable time of sleep occurs. Trying to fall asleep during this time may also be difficult, as it is considered Pitta time.
- The bedroom is not the place for a TV, as hard as that can be for some.
- Sleeping more than 8 hours can cause drowsiness the next day.
- The environment should be cooling and relaxing, with earth tones. Mirrors and images of water are thought to drain energy (see info. on vaastu), so they should be eliminated. Mirrors are only okay if not seen from laying in the bed.
- The best direction to sleep is with the head towards the south. The body has polarites, just like the earth. Sleep to recharge!
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