Vata is the "Air" element characterized by wind, movement, coolness, and dryness. In autumn and early winter Vata is the dominant energy both around and within us. It is also dominant through times of change and transition, as we age, and in various other 'ungrounding' conditions.

If our own Vata energy is over-abundant, it can cause us to have a harder time feeling grounded and calm; we often experience less rejuvenating sleep, or deplete faster than normal.

In Yoga and Ayurveda, we see lack of sleep and sleep issue as the root of many illnesses and energy imbalances. Yoga offers many tools to students to help regain some rejuvenating sleep, create more optimal conditions for sleep, or to at least get some of the healing properties of sleep during the day.

An early evening practice is a good idea to get the body prepared to unwind and relax. Make sure you don’t activate the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) with back bends or a vigorous practice. Move slowly, calmly, with a focus on grounding, deep breath, and relaxation.

Try this simple restorative pose to prepare for sleep that I made for Prevention.com (you can even do it right before bed!)