Mind Over Mattress – Mental Techniques That Guarantee a Good Night’s Sleep
Do you toss and turn at night, stare at the ceiling while the minutes tick […]
Of all the benefits a meditation practice has to offer, restful sleep is at the top of the list
If your thoughts swirl around and invoke concerns about the past and the future, guided meditations may be the perfect biohacking tool for you. Listening to a guided meditation can help you reduce your stress and improve your sleep.
Guided meditations are a great biohacking tool for improving sleep.1 They’re especially useful for those just starting their meditation practice. In today’s world, there are many different styles of meditation available and what works best for one person may not be the best option for another.
Using guided meditation is a great way to learn different meditation techniques and put your finger on what works best for improving your sleep quality.2 There are guided meditations for mindfulness, Yoga Nidra, visualization, hypnosis, and more.
Guided meditations can be found on the hundreds of available meditation apps3 or can be purchased directly from a meditation guide. They can be used for anxiety, depression, performance, physical health, and of course, sleep.
Although meditations can be purchased directly from meditation coaches, apps are probably the best place to start because they offer many different options, allowing you to figure what works for you. Once a preferred technique4 and style of guided meditation are established, guides and coaches can help improve your meditation practice and sleep quality.
Sleep meditations can do much more for you than simply improve your sleep. 5 Indeed, many sleep meditations utilize visualization or affirmations to improve mental health while aiding in relaxation. Guided meditations can help improve overall mental and physical health,6 all while helping with sleep problems, and are especially useful for people who struggle to calm their minds.
“It’s amazing how refreshed somebody can feel after a period of good rest or good meditation.”
In a world full of distractions, finding focus can be tough. Mindfulness involves intentionally shifting from the big picture to the present moment, taking in the surroundings without judgment. It’s a practice that helps with self-care amid the chaos.
BlockNovel is your AI-powered journal for self-discovery and growth. Record your thoughts, emotions, and experiences effortlessly. Receive personalized insights to enhance self-awareness and mindfulness through AI analysis.
The Downloadable Notes to Mindfulness Journal, created by Chelsea Kauai and Intelligent Change, offers an accessible digital and printable format. It’s designed for inner peace, creative self-expression, and gratitude practice. This guided journal is a personal tool for enhancing self-awareness and experiencing moments of wonder.
Explore a user-friendly digital journal that simplifies the process, combining traditional journal strengths. It aids in controlling your focus, mood, productivity, and well-being. If you’ve found journaling time-consuming or disorganized, this solution empowers you. In just minutes a day, it fosters clarity, self-awareness, and tranquility.
TRIPP’s team is dedicated to providing unparalleled and captivating experiences. Their data-driven approach tailors experiences based on your mood ratings, facilitating continuous improvement. With an expanding range of content across AR, VR, and mobile apps, you can explore through TRIPP’s Composer feature, join live events, or access daily featured content. Simply decide where you want to journey today!
Experience Nature Treks VR’s immersive world, featuring 20+ animals like Elephants and Dolphins, across 9 vibrant environments. Command weather and time, summon birds, and shape your world using ‘creator orbs’. Dive into emotional states via thoughtfully designed environments, enhanced by audio visualizations. Utilize the meditation Lotus for controlled breathing and embrace the soothing sounds of nature for relaxation.
Introducing WiseMind: A global Virtual Reality platform co-developed with leading therapists to enhance well-being. Rooted in mindfulness, WiseMind activities are proven to reduce anxiety, stress, depression, and substance abuse. Enjoy activities like breathing, stone balancing, and Tai-Chi. Personalize your experience with a vast library of YouTube soundtracks and embark on a 5-minute journey to a calmer, happier self.
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1. Raffone A, Marzetti L, Del Gratta C, Perrucci MG, Romani GL, Pizzella V, Toward a brain theory of meditation, Prog Brain Res. 2019;244:207-232, doi: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2018.10.028, Epub 2019 Jan 3, PMID: 30732838: https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.pbr.2018.10.028.
2. Levine RA, Levine CS, Seidman MD, Guided Meditation (Hypnosis) and Whole Person Health, Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2022 Oct;55(5):1077-1086, doi: 10.1016/j.otc.2022.07.001, PMID: 36229122: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.otc.2022.07.001.
3. Huberty J, Puzia ME, Green J, Vlisides-Henry RD, Larkey L, Irwin MR, Vranceanu AM, A mindfulness meditation mobile app improves depression and anxiety in adults with sleep disturbance: Analysis from a randomized controlled trial, Gen Hosp Psychiatry. 2021 Nov-Dec;73:30-37, doi: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2021.09.004, Epub 2021 Sep 11, PMID: 34537477: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2021.09.004.
4. Simkin DR, Black NB, Meditation and mindfulness in clinical practice, Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2014 Jul;23(3):487-534, doi: 10.1016/j.chc.2014.03.002, PMID: 24975623: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chc.2014.03.002.
5. Sampaio CV, Lima MG, Ladeia AM, Meditation, Health and Scientific Investigations: Review of the Literature, J Relig Health. 2017 Apr;56(2):411-427, doi: 10.1007/s10943-016-0211-1, PMID: 26915053: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-016-0211-1.
6. Khalsa DS, Stress, Meditation, and Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention: Where The Evidence Stands, J Alzheimers Dis. 2015;48(1):1-12, doi: 10.3233/JAD-142766, PMID: 26445019; PMCID: PMC4923750: https://doi.org/10.3233/jad-142766.
Mindfulness meditation, which simply requires a steady focus on the breath, has been proven to help improve sleep and well-being. Try it for just 10 minutes a day to see long-term results.
Meditation can be done by anyone, anywhere, at any time. Biohacking with meditation on a regular basis not only improves sleep, 1 but can also reduce stress and improve performance. Just ten minutes a day can drastically improve your well-being and help you get the ZZZs you’ve been craving.
People who struggle with sleep are often in a state of hyper-arousal — meaning their brain and body activity are at higher rates than people who have an easy time falling asleep.2 Meditation is known to help improve sleep by calming the mind and body.3
When diving into a meditation practice to improve sleep quality, mindfulness meditation is a great place to start .4 Mindfulness is the practice of becoming aware of the senses, which helps calm the mind and body by reducing racing thoughts.
Mindfulness can be done sitting down or while you’re lying in bed trying to fall asleep. Start by becoming aware of your breath. Then, pay particular attention to the sensation of it coming in and out of your nose. Become aware of the feeling created by the breath.
After becoming aware of the breath, move on to another sense. Focus on the sounds and smells in the room. Mindfulness is the practice of being aware without allowing any emotional response to stimuli. This helps outside stresses disappear, making it easier to fall asleep.
Body scans are a popular method of mindfulness. Start from the top of your head or your toes and move through each body part, becoming aware of the different sensations. Some sensations will be external– like the feeling of clothing or blankets on the skin. Other sensations will be internal — such as tension in a certain area of the body.
Mindfulness meditations can be done in silence or with sleep music to help increase relaxation.5 Guided meditations and meditation machines are also available to help enhance the practice. Mindfulness at night will help relax the body and mind, making it much easier to fall asleep. It’s really a great, natural way to biohack sleep and feel better overall.
“Tune out the world before your head hits the pillow. One great way to do it is to reserve 10 or so minutes before bed to do some meditation.”
Headspace offers science-based meditation and mindfulness tools to improve mental well-being. In just 10 days, it reduces stress by 14%, enhances relaxation, focus, and sleep quality, promoting a healthier and happier you.
Ten Percent Happier app improves sleep, mindfulness, relationships, and happiness by about 10%. With 500+ meditations, sleep content, and bite-sized wisdom, it’s great for mindfulness on the go. Regular updates and quick sessions fit busy schedules.
Insight Timer: The #1 free meditation app with daily additions of 80+ free guided meditations by top experts. Perfect for all levels, it’s your path to a calmer mind and improved well-being.
Achieve restful sleep with Stellar Sleep, the award-winning insomnia app developed with Harvard’s top sleep experts. It offers a personalized, science-backed approach to improve your sleep, ensuring you wake up refreshed and lead a healthier, happier life.
Muse 2: Your personal meditation coach for stress reduction, improved mental well-being, enhanced meditation practice, boosted daily mood, and a calmer, more present life. This smart headband uses EEG brain sensors to monitor your brain activity, offering real-time feedback through soothing audio sounds in your headphones.
Sensate: Instant calm for anxious minds. Achieve relaxation and peace anytime, anywhere with this stress relief device. Upgrade to Sensate Plus for access to the full session library, featuring new monthly tracks for various purposes like sleep and travel.
All Oura rings share the same technical attributes: they’re water-resistant to 100 meters, lightweight, and crafted from robust titanium. They come with a size-specific charger and USB-C cable. For accurate readings, position the ring sensors on the palm side. Elevate your style and health monitoring with Oura rings, with the Horizon featuring a circular design and bottom dimple.
Meet SmartGoggles, the innovative eye mask with SmartSense Technology™. This cutting-edge biometric sensor customizes treatments to lower your heart rate, fostering relaxation. It’s the solution for headaches, eye strain, stress, and screen fatigue. Ideal for those seeking tranquility and improved sleep.
Mindfulness invites you to befriend yourself, embracing your intrinsic wholeness and beauty in the present moment. This website is designed to help you engage with your life in this manner, fostering mindfulness. It provides various resources for those interested in deepening their understanding and practice.
Dave Asprey, founder of Bulletproof 360 and an author, shares his encounter with brain-focused biofeedback and its limitations. In search of innovation, he merged neurofeedback and nutrition to develop the “40 Years of Zen” 5-Day Neurofeedback Program, aiming to bring about life transformations through specialized training.
“Mindful Moments” offers original, refreshing thoughts from Deepak Chopra, providing daily inspiration to reconnect with your core values in a world filled with distractions. These thoughts touch on the beauty of poetry, the power of music, the joy of dance, and the essence of love, serving as a source of nourishment for your body and soul.
Jack Kornfield, a trained Buddhist monk with broad experience in Asia, holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. He’s a founding teacher of the Insight Meditation Society in Massachusetts and the Spirit Rock Meditation Center in California. A pioneer of mindfulness in the West, he’s been teaching globally since 1974 and authored 16 books with 2 million copies sold.
1. Rusch HL, Rosario M, Levison LM, Olivera A, Livingston WS, Wu T, Gill JM, The effect of mindfulness meditation on sleep quality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2019 Jun;1445(1):5-16, doi: 10.1111/nyas.13996, Epub 2018 Dec 21, PMID: 30575050; PMCID: PMC6557693: https://doi.org/10.1111/nyas.13996.
2. Riemann D, Hyperarousal and insomnia: state of the science, Sleep Med Rev. 2010 Feb;14(1):17, doi: 10.1016/j.smrv.2009.09.002, Epub 2009 Nov 30, PMID: 19945890: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2009.09.002.
3. Wielgosz J, Goldberg SB, Kral TRA, Dunne JD, Davidson RJ, Mindfulness Meditation and Psychopathology, Annu Rev Clin Psychol, May 7, 2019;15:285-316, doi: 10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-021815-093423, Epub 2018 Dec 10, PMID: 30525995; PMCID: PMC6597263: https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-021815-093423.
4. Black DS, O’Reilly GA, Olmstead R, Breen EC, Irwin MR, Mindfulness meditation and improvement in sleep quality and daytime impairment among older adults with sleep disturbances: a randomized clinical trial, JAMA Intern Med. 2015 Apr;175(4):494-501, doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2014.8081, PMID: 25686304; PMCID: PMC4407465: https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2014.8081.
5. Janssen M, Heerkens Y, Kuijer W, van der Heijden B, Engels J, Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on employees’ mental health: A systematic review, PLoS One, 2018 Jan 24;13(1):e0191332, doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191332, PMID: 29364935; PMCID: PMC5783379: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0191332.
Yoga Nidra has a long history of inducing rest. In fact, science has just recently confirmed this biohack. A consistent practice can work wonders, bringing your body to a calm state and place of rest.
Yoga Nidra is an ancient practice that puts the mind and body into a deep state of relaxation. It has become one of the most researched meditation practices in the world and is a popular biohacking tool. Recent studies show that Yoga Nidra is more effective at reducing anxiety1 and increasing melatonin production than other meditation techniques.2 It’s a highly effective tool to improve sleep naturally.
Though Yoga Nidra is not technically a meditation practice, it is similar in many ways. In a nutshell, it’s a yoga practice without movement, considered to be a state of waking sleep. It’s a conscious practice that calms the body and mind while creating a state of blissful relaxation. It can be done during the day, but doing Yoga Nidra at night can make it easier for you to fall asleep.
Yoga Nidra is traditionally done lying down, so it’s a perfect tool to use while falling asleep. There are ten steps involved in a Yoga Nidra practice. Using a guided soundtrack may be helpful when starting out. Each of the steps are tools used in other meditation practices. When brought together, they create a level of relaxation that makes it easy to drift off to sleep.
The ten stages of Yoga Nidra are:
Yoga Nidra is best when practiced at the end of the day because it induces intense relaxation.3 If sleep comes before completing the practice, that’s great! For maximum effects, Yoga Nidra can be paired with meditation music. Yoga Nidra is a powerful tool for overcoming insomnia naturally4 and can be practiced just about anywhere to relax and enter a deep sleep.5
“Yoga Nidra is a restorative, meditative practice that creates effortless relaxation.”
Scott Moore Yoga specializes in making yoga and meditation accessible while maintaining their depth. Scott offers engaging yoga classes and teaches Yoga Nidra, a profound guided meditation. Whether you join a class, attend a retreat, read his blog, or take an online course, you’re on a journey of wellness and self-exploration.
This space is for anyone interested in improving well-being through practices like Total Yoga Nidra and Yoni Shakti: Well Woman Yoga Therapy. Their online courses, accessible upon purchase, provide flexibility to study, interact with course materials, download nidra practices, and revisit content at your own pace.
Reclaim your health and creativity with “Daring to Rest” by Karen Brody. This book offers a 40-day program featuring yoga nidra, a transformative meditative practice that guides you into deep relaxation. Divided into three phases, it addresses physical exhaustion, mental/emotional fatigue, and life purpose exhaustion. Experience a journey to healing and rediscovering your true self.
1. Pandi-Perumal SR, Spence DW, Srivastava N, Kanchibhotla D, Kumar K, Sharma GS, Gupta R, Batmanabane G, The Origin and Clinical Relevance of Yoga Nidra, Sleep Vigil. 2022;6(1):61-84, doi: 10.1007/s41782-022-00202-7, Epub 2022 Apr 23, PMID: 35496325; PMCID: PMC9033521: https://doi.org/10.1007/s41782-022-00202-7.
2. Ferreira-Vorkapic C, Borba-Pinheiro CJ, Marchioro M, Santana D, The Impact of Yoga Nidra and Seated Meditation on the Mental Health of College Professors, Int J Yoga. 2018 Sep-Dec;11(3):215-223, doi: 10.4103/ijoy.IJOY_57_17, PMID: 30233115; PMCID: PMC6134749: https://doi.org/10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_57_17.
3. Rajagopalan A, Krishna A, Mukkadan JK, Effect of Om chanting and Yoga Nidra on depression anxiety stress, sleep quality and autonomic functions of hypertensive subjects – a randomized controlled trial, J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol. 2022 Jun 13;34(1):69-75, doi: 10.1515/jbcpp-2022-0122, PMID: 35689170: https://doi.org/10.1515/jbcpp-2022-0122.
4. Sharpe E, Butler MP, Clark-Stone J, Soltanzadeh R, Jindal R, Hanes D, Bradley R, A closer look at yoga nidra- early randomized sleep lab investigations, J Psychosom Res. 2023 Mar;166:111169, doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2023.111169, Epub 2023 Jan 29, PMID: 36731199; PMCID: PMC9973252: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2023.111169.
5. Datta K, Tripathi M, Verma M, Masiwal D, Mallick HN, Yoga nidra practice shows improvement in sleep in patients with chronic insomnia: A randomized controlled trial, Natl Med J India. 2021 May-Jun;34(3):143-150, doi: 10.25259/NMJI_63_19, PMID: 34825538: https://doi.org/10.25259/nmji_63_19.
Learn evidence-based techniques and tips to improve your overall quality of sleep.
Do you toss and turn at night, stare at the ceiling while the minutes tick […]
What if many of the obstacles between you and peaceful sleep are self-inflicted? What if […]
Unfortunately, getting a good night’s sleep is becoming more and more rare. A growing number […]
Dive into the latest advancements and emerging trends in sleep optimization.
Broaden your understanding of sleep science by tracking the latest findings from these accomplished specialists.
Nick Littlehales is a best-selling author and sleep consultant from the UK. As former Chairman of the UK Sleep Council, he is best known for being a sleep coach to some of the biggest athletes. He is a leading expert in using sleep to biohack performance and believes sleep improvement should be individualized to maximize results.
His clients include top athletes from British cycling, Team Sky, the NBA, the NFL, the Olympics and the Paralympics. Moreover, he has been featured in Irish Tatler, The Guardian, and The Sun.
Littlehales developed the R90 Technique principle which is now used by athletes and sports teams worldwide. He also created Sport Sleep Coach, where he offers consultation, courses, and a range of sleep products aimed at providing an optimum sleeping environment for better health. He is a sought-after speaker, known for giving talks on sleep and recovery. You can find him on Instagram and YouTube.
Dr. Walker is a renowned neuroscientist with a background in neurophysiology. He holds a degree in neuroscience from Nottingham University and a PhD from the Medical Research Council in London. After serving as a Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, he became a Professor of Neuroscience and Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley.
As the founder and director of the Center for Human Sleep Science, Dr. Walker has received numerous accolades from prestigious organizations such as the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, and the National Academy of Sciences. He has conducted extensive research on the impact of sleep on human health and brain function, studying both healthy and affected populations. With over 100 scientific publications, Dr. Walker is also the host of the popular Matt Walker Podcast and a TED speaker with over 1 million views. He is frequently featured on major media outlets such as CBS and the BBC.
Unlocking the power of meditation for biohacking a restful night’s sleep with added health benefits.
Mindful meditation is a powerful tool for biohacking sleep. By practicing present-moment awareness and non-judgmental observation of thoughts and sensations, we cultivate a calm and relaxed state of mind that can aid in falling asleep faster and improving sleep quality.
Guided meditation is an effective way to biohack sleep. With guided meditation, an instructor or recorded audio provides instructions, visualizations, and relaxation techniques to help individuals enter a state of deep relaxation and prepare for sleep. This can alleviate anxiety, quiet the mind, and improve sleep quality.
Yes, meditation apps can be valuable tools for biohacking sleep. Many apps offer a variety of guided sleep meditations, calming music, or ambient sounds specifically designed to support relaxation and improve sleep. These apps provide convenient access to meditation practices that can aid in falling asleep faster and achieving more restful sleep.
Virtual reality meditation is an emerging practice that utilizes immersive technology to create a tranquil environment for meditation. By engaging multiple senses and creating a serene virtual space, VR meditation can deepen relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance the sleep experience.
Before bed, incorporating mindfulness techniques can support biohacking sleep. Activities such as body scan meditation, deep breathing exercises, or gentle stretching can help relax the body and calm the mind, creating a conducive environment for sleep.
Absolutely. Breath-focused meditation, where attention is directed to the breath, is a common and effective technique for biohacking sleep. Focusing on the inhalation and exhalation helps anchor attention, quiet the mind, and induce a state of relaxation that facilitates falling asleep.
Loving-kindness meditation involves cultivating feelings of compassion, love, and goodwill towards oneself and others. By fostering positive emotions and promoting a sense of interconnectedness, loving-kindness meditation can reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve overall sleep quality.
Yes, visualization techniques can be incorporated into biohacking sleep with meditation. Guided meditations often include visualizations of peaceful scenes or tranquil imagery that promote relaxation and transport the mind into a serene state, supporting better sleep.
Biohackers recognizes the benefits of yoga nidra for biohacking sleep. Yoga nidra is a guided meditation practice that induces deep relaxation and promotes restorative sleep. It can help reduce stress, calm the mind, and support a rejuvenating sleep experience.
Establishing a regular meditation practice can have long-term benefits for biohacking sleep. Consistent meditation cultivates a sense of inner calmness, reduces stress, and enhances self-awareness, all of which can positively impact sleep patterns and contribute to overall sleep health.
Upgrade your sleep with biohacking methods that leverage meditation for relaxation and a serene sleep environment.
Discover podcasts, YouTube channels, websites, apps, and more to enhance your knowledge and empower your biohacking journey.
Nu Meditation Music is a YouTube channel dedicated to providing a sanctuary for relaxation and healing. Their mission is to harness the transformative power of music to positively impact people’s lives.
The channel offers a diverse range of content, including Sleep Music, Relaxing Music, Reiki Music, Healing Music, Study Music, Instrumental Music, Meditation Music, Piano Music, Guitar Music, and Nature Sounds.
The videos feature ambient backgrounds tailored for various purposes such as Relaxation, Yoga, Reiki, Spa, Sleep, and Study, allowing viewers to find solace and rejuvenation whenever needed. Regular updates ensure a constant stream of soothing melodies to promote well-being and inner peace.
The Get Sleepy podcast is a soothing and immersive storytelling podcast designed to help listeners achieve a restful night’s sleep. With a small creative team of writers, voice-over artists, and meditation experts, the podcast offers unique stories that calm the mind and relax the body.
Led by host Tom Jones, the podcast aims to create a sleep-inducing experience. Tom, with his background in music and audio, understands the struggles of sleep problems and approaches the art of sleep with empathy.
By incorporating elements of storytelling and relaxation techniques, Get Sleepy serves as a valuable biohack to aid listeners in achieving a peaceful and rejuvenating sleep experience.