Stretching into a Good Night’s Sleep
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. 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 shownTrusted Source 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.