Meditation is recognised as one of the most calming and peaceful activities that benefits your mental and physical health. We all know that to mediate effectively, you must be in a quiet space with no disturbances and little movement.
That sounds a lot like an environment conducive to sleep, this is why it is often easier to fall asleep when you try to meditate. However, there are other reasons that health experts believe are the cause of sleepiness in meditation. We’ll have a look at a few of them, they include;
Brainwave patterns: A review from 2020 by the Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience on electroencephalogram (EEG) found that meditation is similar to phases 1 and 2 of sleep as it increases alpha brain waves while decreasing central beta and low gamma waves. The medical information and health publication, Healthline, states that some researchers saw a drop in high-alert, problem-solving brain waves and an increase in brain waves connected to relaxing when people are meditating. “When you’re meditating, you’re playing right on the edge between focus and relaxation, wakefulness and sleep. If you practice often enough, it’s likely that you’ll drift a little too far in the sleep direction now and then,” states Healthline.
Sleep deprivation: The information hub mentioned above also states that one reason you’d find yourself drowsy while meditating is being sleep-deprived. “If you’re already tired, stressed, overwhelmed, or sleep-deprived, your body may see your meditation practice as an invitation to get some needed shut-eye.”
Beginner meditator: According to the Health Shot publication, feeling sleepy during your first meditation session is normal as you might not be very experienced with this practice. This is why there is no beneficial reaction or response from the body or mind to meditation, claims the publication,
Wrong method: The above health publication further explains that you might feel drowsy if you are unable to connect with the meditation method you are using and therefore suggests that you select the appropriate type of meditation to
Eating a heavy meal: Healthline claims that eating a heavy meal before meditating can induce sleepiness due to hormones released when you are full, the nutrient content of the food, and the body’s focus on digestion. It is further stated that foods with tryptophan, melatonin, and magnesium can induce muscle relaxation and sleepiness. “After eating, your body may be working overtime to digest your food, especially if you’ve had a large meal. The digestion process can siphon energy away from the brain and create a bit of a fog.”
Also see: How meditation can benefit you in 2024
