Is it okay to fall asleep during savasana?

image by Ilka Steyn via Pinterest

Rest and sleep are separate states, and both are necessary for good health.

As a yoga teacher there have been many occasions when an someone in the class drops off to sleep during savasana. Of course there may be the moment of mild panic for them as they realise what has happened!

Is it okay if you fall asleep?

Some teachers will tell you that you shouldn’t go to sleep, that during savasana you need to be deeply relaxed, yet alert. Your body should be asleep but your mind calm yet alert.

However, while this is the intention of savasana, I’d like you to take the approach of letting go. Instead, allow whatever needs to happen, to happen. If we are worried about falling asleep then there’s a good chance you are holding on, or trying to control the situation.

If you fall asleep, you can look at this as information. You probably need to get more sleep at night, and if you need the sleep, then welcome it during savasana as it’s what your body needs. 

Think of quality sleep as a foundation. If you’re getting enough sleep then it’s less likely you’ll sleep during savasana. If you find it hard to sleep then savasana might be what you need - whether or not you go to sleep.

Once you feel you are getting sufficient sleep then you can practice savasana or meditation with the approach of calm yet alert. It won’t be as difficult and you won’t need to force so much as you’ll have the foundation of sleep to support you.

Can you allow yourself to take savasana this week? Or simply rest without any pressure of how it should be? 

Let me know!

Sarah