The key difference between meditation and sleep lies in the level of alertness. While sleep is characterized by a lack of alertness, meditation is characterized by an alertness of a different quality. To understand this distinction, and how meditation and sleep differ, we must consider how the four modes of consciousness - mind, intellect, memory and ego - operate in the states of wakefulness, sleep and meditation. Meditation can be a great way to improve your sleep.
As a relaxation technique, it can help to calm the mind and body while promoting inner peace. When practiced before bedtime, it can reduce insomnia and other sleep problems. Studies have shown that those who practice mindfulness meditation are more likely to experience improved sleep than those who don't. According to a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, people who practice mindfulness experience less depression, daytime fatigue and insomnia.
Meditation has also been reported to increase melatonin production - a key hormone that regulates the sleep cycle. This suggests that meditation is an easy and low-impact way to improve sleep quality. Other things that can help you get a good night's rest include proper diet and exercise; a calm, cool and dark environment; setting regular food and bedtimes; and reducing the amount of alcohol and caffeine consumed at night. Practicing healthy sleep hygiene habits and using cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques for insomnia can also help you get the most out of meditation for insomnia.
Although sleep and meditation share some common characteristics, they have slightly different effects on the body and mind. Researchers theorize that mindfulness can improve sleep quality by providing patients with the mental resources to calm the nervous system in preparation for sleep. In fact, according to some Buddhist texts, a full night's sleep is about four hours among competent meditators. Let's take a look at the specific meditation techniques that usually work well for sleep and how to do each of them. When meditating, don't try to determine whether you were sleeping or meditating deeply at certain times.
Although consciousness is not active in any way during sleep, it is still present as a witness of sleep. Since sleep meditation for insomnia is relatively affordable, low-risk and easy to implement, it is an attractive option for people who have difficulty accessing other types of therapy or medications. Some believe that it is advisable to avoid meditation before bedtime as the practice can cause feelings of concentration and awareness. Sleep is like a brain scrub - it helps the brain remove many toxic by-products as well as beta-amyloid which can cause Alzheimer's if allowed to build up.
