Are you getting your recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night? If not, you aren’t alone.
Sleep deprivation is a global public health issue. It affects people of all ages and demographics and is associated with obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mental health problems like anxiety and depression (Walker, 2018).
Geographic disparities in sleep deprivation exist largely due to culturally defined attitudes to sleep. Topping the charts of the sleep-deprived are Japan, the United States, South Korea, and the UK due to a combination of long working hours, the high use of electronic devices and the high value placed on productivity (Armstrong, 2016; dataSpring, 2024; Marshall, 2024; Ryall, 2024; Walker, 2018).
Sleep meditation is a natural method for combating the busy mind and restlessness that can cause problems dropping off at night. It is also a useful standby for those who awaken early and need help to settle back into sleep (North, 2020).
This article explores the evidence behind sleep meditation, why it works, and how to integrate it into a bedtime routine.
Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Mindfulness Exercises for free. These science-based, comprehensive exercises will help you cultivate a sense of inner peace throughout your daily life, and will also give you the tools to enhance the mindfulness of your clients, students, or employees.