Technalink knows that many people may be having difficulty falling asleep at night, as thoughts about how the world is going prevent restful sleep from taking hold as it normally would. Stressful thoughts can lead to sleeplessness, and possibly even insomnia, as an inability to sleep causes anxiety about bedtime itself. But practicing meditation and mindfulness can help with anxiety at night.
Meditation Is A Biofeedback Loop
When people are unable to sleep due to anxiety, this can be because the mind causes a physical stress reaction, such as a faster heartbeat, shallower breath, and other physical symptoms of the “fight or flight” reflex, where the body prepares itself for heavy activity to deal with a threat. Of course, in the case of sleeplessness, there is no physical threat, but the anxiety caused by insomnia can force the body to react in this way, and thus reinforce that sleeplessness.
Meditation, however, understands that the biofeedback loop is a two-way street. If anxiety in the mind can cause physical reactions, it is also possible for physical reactions to exert an influence on the mind. In this case, meditative techniques like controlling your breathing negate the unconscious breathing reflex caused by anxiety. Moreover, changing your breathing to a calmer, more controlled pace can then help to quiet or calm a mind that is buzzing with anxiety. In other words, the mind may be able to influence physical reactions, but physical reactions can also influence the feelings of the mind.
This is why meditation can be a healthier, more holistic way to approach certain issues, rather than immediately falling back on medications. It may also help in your efforts if you use accessories to better focus, such as mala prayer beads or other types of meditation tools. Everyone has a unique preferred method of meditation, so find the tool that works for you.
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