Wondering Why You Should Not Meditate At Night? Meditate Only In One Condition

For ages, meditation has been a popular practice, and it is undisputed that it provides multiple benefits for the psyche and physique. Yet, a frequent query is if it is alright to meditate at night. In this write-up, we will investigate the issue of meditating at night, and give some understanding into if it is a wise decision to meditate prior to sleeping.

If meditating at night makes your mind full of doubts then you can also meditate in the evening.

Is it Good to Meditate at Night?

It’s commonly thought that meditating late in the day is not a good idea since it can lead to difficulty in getting to sleep. This is because meditation is intended to sharpen your mental clarity and focus, and not always make you feel sleepy. Moreover, meditating at night can have a negative impact on the quality of sleep, as your mind may become too active to drift off quickly.

Can You Meditate in Bed at Night?

It is not advised to meditate while lying in bed in the evening because it can blur the distinction between practice of meditation and getting ready for falling asleep. In meditation, you need to be conscious and alert, not languid or dozy. Moreover, meditating in bed can also result in worse quality sleep sometimes, and it can be difficult to fall asleep.

In some cases, meditation practice can also help you get good quality sleep but we will learn about them later in this article.

Related: 9 Best Tips To Avoid Falling Asleep During Meditation

Should You Really Meditate Before You Go to Bed?

Making use of meditation can be a useful way to relax before bedtime and have a better sleep. It is vital to choose the correct meditation style and to do it at the suitable timing.

For example, dedicating a few minutes to mindfulness practices can help you let go of any negative feelings or worries from the day, making it simpler to drift off to sleep. Nevertheless, it is suggested to practice more intense meditation methods like mantra meditation or transcendental meditation two hours before your intended bedtime.

What Happens if You Meditate at Night?

You will not be able to get more benefits from your meditation practice. You and your mind is naturally going to be tired and in desperate need of rest. So, it’s possible that you will not be able to focus as much. On the other hand, if you will try to keep yourself alert during the meditation, you will be fighting sleep most of the time instead of meditation.

If your goal of meditating at night is to get to sleep quickly and get deeper level of rest then practicing meditation at night is best for you. But if you want to experience all the other spiritual and material benefits of meditation then it’s not ideal.

Meditation Practice vs Sleep Quality

It’s essential to take timing into account when you meditate. The most beneficial time to do so is when you’re wide awake and concentrated. This may be first thing in the morning for some and in the evening for others.

But, if you’re looking to meditate late at night, it’s important to remember that it can influence your sleep quality. So, make sure to select the appropriate meditation technique, practice it at the appropriate time, and pick the right spot for your practice.

Now let’s take a look at which types of meditation practices you should avoid at all costs during the night.

Meditation Techniques to Avoid at Night:

There are certain meditations that should be avoided at night as they can be too stimulating for the mind, making it difficult to fall asleep. These include:

• Mantra Meditation: The process of this methodology involves the reiteration of a particular word or phrase with the intention of honing in on the mind.
• Transcendental Meditation: This approach requires a specified chant or noise to attain a profound state of serenity.
• Yoga Nidra: Yoga Nidra or Yogic Sleep necessitates reclining in a pleasant place and heeding to a guided relaxation that will take one through various stages of calmness.

Meditations That Can Be Beneficial For Quality Sleep

There are many meditation practices that can reduce sleep disturbances and help you stay asleep for longer. You can use these meditations to slowly increase relaxation and allow you to stay in the present moment as your release any negative thoughts. I can significantly enhance the quality of your sleep by changing brain waves.

A study in 2016 looked at how meditation can affect the brain during sleep. The researchers found that when people did short meditation training, it made their non-REM sleep better. They did this by measuring brain waves of people who meditated for two days and comparing them to people who didn’t meditate. 

The research found that the people who meditated had more brain activity in certain areas during sleep and that this was especially true for people who had been meditating for a long time. The study suggests that meditation can have long-lasting effects on the brain and improve sleep.

Guided Meditation:

If you’re looking for a way to unwind before bed, guided meditation is a great choice. This type of meditation involves either listening to a pre-recorded program or having a live instructor lead you through the session. It’s a soothing and peaceful way to leave any stress or worries behind and help you drift off more quickly. Enhanced Meditation App has plenty of guided meditations you can try for free. If you feel you are not able to fall asleep to a guided meditation then using a high-quality meditation app can make you change your mind.

Breath Meditation:

If you’re looking for a method to relax before turning in for the night, consider breath meditation. This approach is simple and straightforward – all you do is focus on your breathing and count the inhalations and exhalations. It only takes few minutes and can help to soothe the mind and body, easing you into a peaceful night’s sleep. The regular pattern of the breath can have a calming effect, making it the perfect way to prepare yourself for slumber.

Mindfulness Meditation:

Another helpful practice before going to bed is mindfulness meditation. This technique means being mindful of your, thoughts, ideas, emotions, and physical feelings without making any judgments. Doing this can help soothe away any anxiousness or pressure from the day and make it easier to drift off into deep sleep. Research also suggests that mindfulness meditation, with cognitive-behavioral therapy, can help deal with insomnia.

Morning Meditation vs Evening Meditation

People may differ in their opinion of when the most advantageous and best time to meditate is; some think it is better to do it in the morning while others may find evening meditation more helpful. It is essential to decide which time of day is most suitable for you and your lifestyle. Doing meditation in the morning can be a great way to get a fresh and concentrated mind at the start of your day. Likewise, meditating in the evening can be advantageous to relax and get ready for a good night’s rest.

Creating a Meditation Routine

Establishing a steady habit of meditation can be advantageous for you both mentally and physically. It is crucial to designate a precise time and area for your practice and make it an integral part of your daily regimen. Doing so can help to form a sound sleep-wake cycle, leading to better sleep and enhanced overall well-being.

Specific Meditation Techniques:

If you’re looking to get a better night’s rest, there are some types of meditation that can help.

1. One is Yoga Nidra – you can do it by lying down in a comfortable spot and listening to a guided meditation that will take you through various levels of relaxation.
2. Another is Body Scan, which focuses on different parts of your body and helps to ease any tension.
3. And lastly Deep Sleep Meditation is specifically tailored to help you drift off into a good sleep.

Conclusion

To sum up, night meditation can yield both positive and negative consequences on your sleep. It is significant to pick the correct meditation technique. Do it at the ideal time, and build a regular meditation routine. Moreover, it is important to dodge certain meditative tactics that can be too stimulating for the mind.

Practice methods that are more tender and soothing such as guided meditation, breath meditation, and mindfulness meditation. With the proper method, meditating prior to bedtime can result in improved sleep quality, greater and more restful sleep, and better sleep efficacy.