Guest Writer Article
In Oct, I'll be running a workshop on insomnia with elements of Yin Yoga and Chinese Medicine as well Sound Healing offered by guest teacher Marilyn. So how does sound help with sleep?
Better sleep is one of the most common benefits you'd get from a sound bath. We constantly talk about how the singing bowls promote relaxation and thus alleviate insomnia because you can finally sleep soundly at night.
How binaural beats help you sleep
"Science shows that exposure to binaural beats can create changes in the brain’s degree of arousal. Listening to these sounds that create a low-frequency tone, research indicates, triggers a slow-down to brainwave activity—and that may help you relax, lower your anxiety, and make it easier for you to fall asleep and sleep more soundly." - Psychology Today
Binaural beats happen when two different beats of slightly varied frequencies are played together. The brain is entrained into a theta state when difference between the frequencies of the two beats is between 4-7 hertz.
Physically relaxed, mentally aware
Known as the body's "rest and digest" mode, the parasympathetic nervous system regulates bodily functions, such as digestion and elimination, which are vital functions for maintainence of normal life. It is the opposite of the sympathetic nervous system, also known as "fight or flight", where quick decisions need to be made in order to ensure one's survival.
Most of us live in a consistent state of "fight or flight", as stressors keep piling up relentlessly. Spending too much time in the sympathetic nervous system will lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and insomnia, amongst other health issues. We may know how important it is to relax, but we may have already forgotten how to embody relaxation.
Sometimes, we need a little extra help to remind the body and mind of its latent ability for inactivity. This is when wellness practices such as yoga, meditation and sound come in. With overtone producing instruments like the singing bowls and the gong, you entrain the mind into a theta state where the body is physically relaxed. You would like to be conscious through this process, because you want the mind to observe and relearn the feeling of rest so that you can take that home with you.
Come home to Sound Sleep
The links between sound and mental health are not that far fetched, in fact it is entrenched in the way we use the words in English today. The word "sound" has a secondary meaning - "whole, not damaged or injured". The ethomology of the word harks back to the 14th century, deriving its roots from the German word for "health", gesund. Common references using the word include "safe and sound", and "a sound mind". With such meanings circling around the concepts of health and stability, we wish you a sound night's sleep.
Find out more about our workshop event happening in Oct 2020 here.
About the Writer:
Marilyn
An aspiring "relaxation specialist", Marilyn was drawn to the energy and vibrations of the gong after a friend suggested to collaborate on a restorative+sound workshop. She went for training and never looked back since. She teaches sound meditation classes to share the good vibes. You can find her at: https://www.thetaspacesg.com
The rights of this article belongs to the writer. Opinions of guest writers do not reflect those of Yoga Yinfinity but we believe in an open minded community where different people and opinions are valued.