8 Stretches to Do Before Bed

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Among natural sleep remedies — from drinking chamomile tea to diffusing essential oils — stretching is often overlooked. But this simple act may help you fall asleep faster and improve the quality of your sleep.

A 2016 review of studies found a link between meditative movements (such as tai chi and yoga) and improved sleep quality. This improved sleep quality was further linked to a better quality of life.

But why does stretching have this effect on sleep? It’s likely a mix of things.

For one, getting in touch with your body by stretching helps to focus your attention on your breath and body, not the stressors of the day. This awareness of your body helps you develop mindfulness, which has been shown to help promote better sleep.

Stretching also offers potential physical benefits, helping to relieve muscle tension and prevent sleep-disrupting cramps. Just make sure to stick to gentle stretches — doing a big workout before bed can have the opposite effect.

Here are eight stretches to add to your nightly routine.

1. Bear hug 

This stretch works the rhomboids and trapezius muscles of your upper back. It helps to alleviate shoulder blade discomfort or pain that’s caused by poor posture, bursitis, or frozen shoulder.

To do this stretch:

  • Stand tall and inhale as you open your arms out wide.
  • Exhale as you cross your arms, placing your right arm over your left and your left over your right to give yourself a hug.
  • Breathe deeply as you use your hands to draw your shoulders forward.
  • Hold this stretch for 30 seconds.
  • To release, inhale to open your arms back open wide.
  • Exhale and repeat with your left arm on top.
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    2. Neck stretches

    These stretches will help to relieve tension in your head, neck, and shoulders. Try to focus on maintaining good posture when doing these.

    To do these stretches:

  • Sit in a comfortable chair. Take your right hand to the top of your head or to your left ear.
  • Gently bring your right ear towards your right shoulder, holding this position for five breaths.
  • Repeat on the opposite side.
  • Turn to look over your right shoulder, keeping the rest of your body facing forward.
  • Hold this position for five breaths.
  • Repeat on the opposite side.
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  • Drop your chin down to your chest, holding it there for five breaths.
  • Return to a neutral position and allow your head to gently fall back for five breaths.
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    3. Kneeling lat stretch 

    This stretch helps to loosen up the muscles in your back and shoulders, relieving pain and discomfort.

    To do this stretch:

  • Come into a kneeling position in front of a chair, couch, or low table.
  • Check that your knees are directly under your hips. You can rest on a blanket or cushion for extra support.
  • Lengthen your spine as you hinge at the hips to fold forward, resting your forearms on the surface with your palms facing together.
  • Hold this stretch for 30 seconds.
  • Repeat one to three times.
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    4. Child’s pose 

    Child’s Pose is a resting stretch that’s similar to a kneeling lat stretch, but more relaxed. It’s perfect for tuning into your breath, relaxing your body, and reducing stress. It also helps to relieve pain and tension in your back, shoulders, and neck.

    To do this stretch:

  • Come down on your knees, sitting back on your heels.
  • Hinge at your hips to fold forward and rest your forehead on the floor.
  • Extend your arms in front of you to support your neck or bring your arms alongside your body. You can use a pillow or cushion under your thighs or forehead for extra support.
  • Breathe deeply in while holding the pose, bringing your awareness to any areas of discomfort or tightness in your back.
  • Hold this pose for up to 5 minutes. You can also come into this pose between other stretches to give your body a rest.
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    5. Low lunge 

    This lunge stretches your hips, thighs, and groin. Opening your chest helps to relieve tension and pain in this area as well as your back and shoulders. Try to stay relaxed when doing this pose, and don’t push yourself too hard.

    To do this stretch:

  • Come into a low lunge with your right foot below your right knee and your left leg extended back, keeping your knee on the floor.
  • Bring your hands to the floor beneath your shoulders, on your knees, or up toward the ceiling.
  • Breathe deeply, focusing on lengthening your spine and opening your chest.
  • Feel the line of energy extending out through the crown of your head.
  • Hold this pose for five breaths.
  • Repeat on the opposite side.
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    6. Seated forward bend 

    This stretch helps to loosen up your spine, shoulders, and hamstrings. It also stretches your lower back.

    To do this stretch:

  • Sit down with your legs extended in front of you.
  • Engage your abdominal slightly to lengthen your spine, pressing your sit bones into the floor.
  • Hinge at your hips to fold forward, reaching out your arms in front of you.
  • Relax your head and tuck your chin into your chest.
  • Hold this pose for up to 5 minutes.
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    7. Legs-up-the-wall pose 

    This is a restorative pose that helps to reduce tension in your back, shoulders, and neck while promoting relaxation.

    To do this stretch:

  • Sit with the right side of your body against a wall.
  • Lie on your back as you swing your legs up against the wall.
  • Your hips can be up against the wall or a few inches away. Choose the distance that feels most comfortable. You can also place a cushion under your hips for support and a bit of elevation.
  • Rest your arms in any comfortable position.
  • Remain in this pose for up to 10 minutes.
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    8. Reclining bound angle pose 

    This relaxing hip opener can help to relieve muscle tension in your hips and groin, making it especially good if you spend most of your day sitting.

    To do this stretch:

  • Sit on the floor and bring the soles of your feet together.
  • Lean back on your hands to bring your back, neck, and head to the floor. You can use cushions or pillows under your knees or head for support.
  • Place your arms in any comfortable positions.
  • Focus on relaxing your hips and thighs as you breathe deeply.
  • Hold this pose for up to 10 minutes.
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    Posted : 2023-12-14 08:56

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