Insomnia and sleep deprivation impact millions of people, who find themselves tossing and turning in bed struggling to get undisturbed sleep at night. Numerous studies show that almost a third of Indians suffer from intermittent spells of insomnia. Thankfully, performing yoga can aid in normalizing your sleeping patterns. In fact, gentle yoga practice done at home brings about small but effective alterations to your body and helps sustain a stable sleep cycle.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a mat and start your daily yoga sessions with these yoga asanas:

1. Seated shoulder and neck release (Parvatasana):
   This posture eases the tension on your neck and shoulders. While doing this asana, you can be seated in any relaxed position. However, you must avoid straining your neck by going for the maximum stretch. This asana also relaxes your jaw and helps those who tend to clench their teeth while sleeping.

Standing forward bend (Uttanasana):
This posture is achieved by standing upright with your feet 6 inches apart and folding your upper body to the ground. You can reach for the surface or bend the arms and clutch your other hand to the opposite elbow. Uttanasana facilitates in getting rid of sleeplessness and headache and is also helpful in lowering anxiety levels.

Butterfly pose (Baddha Konasana):
Sit upright on the floor and fold your legs and bring it close to the body as you breathe out and ensure the soles of your feet are in contact. Drop your knees to the sides and hold the thumbs of your feet while ensuring that the foot soles are touching each other and pressed to the ground during the whole time. This posture plays a key role in stretching the groin, hip, knees, and inner thighs and helps you relax and eventually sleep better.

Head to knee pose (Janu Sirsasana):
This asana will release the tension in your hamstrings, spine, and hips. Forward bends are calming and open up your back. You can alter this posture in various ways. Use a belt around your foot if you are unable to reach your foot. If you have a stiff back, you can sit on cushions or you can repeat the posture by bending the knee of your extended leg.

Plough Pose (Halasana):
It is suggested that keeping the plough pose for 5 minutes will help you fall asleep with ease. This posture involves lying down on your back and lifting your legs over your head and then to the surface behind you. While doing so, your hands must be on the floor or on your back for support. This asana stimulates blood flow and brings vitality into your body.

Sleep deprivation and mounting stress can become an exasperating cycle. However, these yoga asanas can help reduce stress, relieve tension from the body, calm the mind and serve as a genuine sleep remedy. However, it is important to be mindful of the correct form. If you are new to this, it is advisable to do it under expert supervision.