5 Stretches to Help You Sleep Better Tonight
Workout by Kay Kay Clivio, an instructor at Pure Yoga in New York City
Do these stretches right before bed to fall asleep faster and sleep better.
Related: 7 Shocking Stats About Sleep
Sleeping Swan
What you'll need: a pillow
Tip: With each pose, breathe in and out through your nose for a calming effect on the nervous system.
Targets: Neck, shoulders, back, hips, and legs
Sit on floor with pillow in front of you. Bend left knee, bringing sole of left foot to right inner thigh. Lift butt and extend right leg behind you.
Staying centered, gently hinge forward from hips, placing head on pillow. Extend arms forward, elbows slightly bent.
Hold for 8 to 10 breaths. Roll back up. Switch legs; repeat.
Related: What to Eat for Better Sleep
Happy Baby
Targets: Back, hips, and hamstrings
Lie faceup. Bend knees into chest and grab inside edges of feet with hands, palms out.
Bring knees out to sides, then lower toward armpits, keeping heels above knees, feet flexed.
Hold for 8 to 10 breaths, gently rocking from side to side.
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Bridge
Targets: Hips and legs
Lie faceup with knees bent, feet flat on floor, arms extended by sides, palms up.
Keeping shoulders down, engage abs and press into heels to lift hips and back to form a diagonal line from shoulders to knees.
Hold for 8 to 10 breaths; lower.
Related: 8-Minute Workout: Yoga for Better Sleep
Seated Side Bend
Targets: Neck, shoulders, back, and obliques
Sit on pillow in a cross-legged position. Place left hand on floor to side of hip, left elbow slightly bent. Extend right arm by ear.
Lean to left, keeping butt on floor, shoulders down.
Hold for 8 to 10 breaths. Switch sides; repeat.
Related: How to Become a Morning Person
Rag Doll
Targets: Neck. shoulders, back, and hips
Stand with feet hip-width apart, knees slightly bent.
Place right hand on left elbow, left hand on right elbow.
Bend over from hips, letting arms and head hang down.
Hold for 8 to 10 breaths. Gently roll back up.
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