Paper
Yoga and Sleep
Published 2006 · J. Farrow
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Abstract
Increase in CO2 has a sedative effect upon the central nervous system, and the beginning of sleep coincides with modifications in breathing, decrease in ventilation, and in pCO2 increase. In this paper is described a technique of breathing that is useful in producing drowsiness in a very short time. 46 insomniacs were randomly allocated to either a treatment or control condition. In the former, patients were trained in the breathing process. The control group was taught no breathing process. Latencies to sleep for the insomniacs confirmed that the breathing process was useful in producing drowsiness. Theoretical bases are discussed. Abstract of van den Hout commentary: In 1995 Cholitz tested a breathing technique to treat insomniacs. The results were incomparably much better than typically reported. It is argued that Cholitz’ explanation of his findings is untenable and that independent replications are needed. Christensen, Alice. Insomnia. In Alice Christensen, The American Yoga Association Wellness Book. New York: Kensington Books, 1996, pp. 118-125. ___________. Relaxing breath; The complete relaxation procedure. In Alice Christensen, The American Yoga Association’s Easy Does It® Yoga. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1999, pp. 6061; 133-138. Corby, J. C., W. T. Roth, and B. S. Kopell. Psycho-physiological correlates of the practice of Tantric Yoga meditation. Archives of General Psychiatry, 1978, 35:571-580. (Includes a discussion of sleep.) Crisp, Tony. Yoga and dreams. Article available online: http://www.dreamhawk.com/d-yoga.htm. Dalphonse, Sherri. Find your balance: Headaches? Back pain? Insomnia? Try yoga. The Washingtonian, Dec 1997, 33(3):80. Dash, P., and C. N. Alexande r. Electrophysiological characteristics during Transcendental Meditation and napping. Was tentatively scheduled for inclusion in Scientific Research on the Transcendental Meditation Program: Collected Papers, Vol. 2. Rheinweiler, West Germany: Maharishi European Research University Press. EEG characteristics showed that sleep is distinguishable from TM. Delmonte, M. M. Electrocortical activity and related phenomena associated with meditation practice: A literature review. Int. Journal of Neuroscience, 1984, 24: 217-231. (Includes the effects of meditation on sleep.)
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