Several years ago, I had a conversation with one of my dear friends about sleep. She told me she’s been taking 1\4 of a Benadryl every night for over 25 years to help her sleep. What surprised me about her confession is that she works in the medical industry as a pediatric nurse. I haven’t been trained in the medical field however I do remember my son’s pediatrician telling me not to use Benedryl as a sleep aid even if he is experiencing pain.
As I was listening to my friend tell her story about taking a small amount of Benadryl each night, she asked me not to mention it to one of our shared friends, a neuroscientist. This said friend has already discussed this topic with my friend. “It’s simply not good brain hygiene to be taking a sleep aid for an extended amount of time. You can make things more complicated in your system.”
Recently, I was with a group of friends when one of them said: “Don’t tell my partner but I take 1\2 of an edible every night before I go to sleep”. While listening to the conversation, I kept thinking to myself: “Wow, now I have 2 friends showing signs of insomnia”. Taking an objective view of this situation, I’ve been considering what and how to break this problem down.
I’m not one to judge someone for their choices. I want to understand and help. I am fortunate that I don't have any issues falling asleep. I’ve always said, “Look, if you can’t fall asleep naturally, walk 8 miles. You’ll fall asleep.” Exhaustion helps people learn how to fall asleep on their own.
Practicing Kaiut Yoga can help improve sleep quality and assist in insomnia. It is a great way to unwind, destress and relax before bed. A national survey found that over 55% of people who did yoga said it helped them get better sleep.
There are ways for people to learn how to naturally fall asleep. Sleep aids are shortcuts. They bypass many steps. It’s quick, easy, and works for so many people. We all naturally navigate toward the easy and most efficient route for getting things done. We rarely consider what’s best for us.
It’s when the problems start showing up: when the Benadryl or edible stops working and we start searching for something stronger. When this happens, other complications start showing up. This is usually when we start searching for healthier ways to get what’s necessary for us.
Sleep is necessary. Practicing yoga is one of the healthiest ways to help the body and mind create a regular sleep pattern. Good rest is needed for learning. Good rest is needed to release trauma. Good rest is necessary for a healthy body.
Once your body has learned how to create a regular sleep pattern, you'll have a valuable tool that will aid you in a goodnight's rest.