How do headaches and sleep go together? Like PB and J, baby! One key to managing your headache pain, especially for people with Migraine, is to get on a consistent sleep schedule.
Sleep Patterns Can Trigger Migraine Attacks
Sleep plays an important role in the body from plasticity in the brain to immunity. Your sleep patterns can be a huge trigger for headaches, especially if you experience Migraine. Think about this - your body craves consistency. You might think getting in bed at 8pm some nights or midnight on others is no biggie. Guess what your body's thinking? It's stressin' out! The last thing you need is another layer of stress running rampant on your system. Fun fact - headaches are one of the leading symptoms of chronic stress. Fine...maybe not so fun, but eye-opening for sure. Give your body a break and get on a consistent sleeping schedule with a yoga bedtime routine.
Create a Yoga Bedtime Routine
Your body NEEDS to rest and recover from a regular day, but especially if your hormones are unbalanced from high levels of sustained stress and/or you're experiencing chronic pain. If you're prone to migraines and you lack a consistent bedtime routine, check out my top 3 tips below to create a sleep ritual that makes you excited to crawl in those covers at the same time each night.
- Write down 3 things that brought you joy during the day. This will help you focus on the positive and de-stress your mind. Keep a journal by your bed to help you remember to do this at night.
- Practice 5-8 rounds of pranayama (breath control) while you're laying in bed. This helps calm your nervous system and relaxes tension in your body.
- Meditate, meditate, meditate. Yes, its seriously an awesome way to drift off to sleep. Research shows that regular meditation helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep throughout the night.
Getting on a regular sleep schedule is one way to manage your stress and headaches that you can start right now with my on-demand yoga videos. Remember, everyone is different. Some people do better with 7 hours of sleep and some with 10, so make sure you're feeling out what is best for YOUR body. Try out your new bedtime routine for the next 7 days and see how you feel!
About Your Instructor:
Tiffany Lord, E-RYT & Yoga Therapeutic Specialist
Corporate Yoga Coach
Resilience + Stress Management Expert
As the founder of Love + Asana, I help busy professionals feel more resilient and empowered in their wellness using simple movement and mindfulness techniques to manage stress. This all-levels, accessible approach to physical and mental health at work allows employees to easily learn and implement healthy habits during their work day…and feel the benefits ripple out into all areas of life.
Since 2016, I’ve had the honor of coaching thousands of employees through virtual sessions and workshops focused on relaxation techniques, mindset, and mobility. My wellness articles have been featured in fyi50+, CO Yoga + Life, and I’m the author of three “Get With Gratitude” journals based on my online workshop series for resiliency through a grateful mindset.
I completed a 200-hour training through CorePower Yoga and received my 500-hour Therapeutic Specialist certificate through Yoga Medicine to complement my background in massage therapy and Bachelor’s Degree in International Business with Cum Laude honors from the University of Colorado at Denver. As a Continuing Education Provider with the Yoga Alliance, I share my knowledge of functional movement and the mind-body connection with yoga instructors wanting to deepen their teaching toolkit. My expertise in relaxation techniques and stress management also supports others with Migraine through collaborations with Cove, an online migraine treatment company, and the International Headache Center.
When I’m not supporting wellness of others, I’m out improving my own – enjoying time with family & friends, dancing, hiking, bouldering in the gym, reading and drinking too many lattes :)
Questions? Contact Tiffany at loveandasana@gmail.com