3 Practices for Deeper & More Rejuvenating Sleep

BY Indu Aroa2 min read • August 14, 2026

Putting our energy toward improving our sleep isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessary aspect of our health and well-being.

How would you rate your sleep hygiene? Healthy sleep hygiene is the regular practice of any activity or ritual that you consciously do or avoid to achieve:

1. Effortless transition to sleep
2. Uninterrupted sleep
3. Feeling rested upon waking

Putting our energy toward improving our sleep isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessary aspect of our health and well-being. Recent studies show even one night of poor sleep disrupts emotions, spikes inflammation, weakens immunity, and clouds thinking, while chronic sleep loss drives up risks for heart disease, diabetes, and mood issues.

The World Health Organization has described sleep problems as an emerging global epidemic, and modern sleep-health advocates continue to call for sleep to be treated as a public-health priority.

Here, three sleep-smart practices to help us reclaim some shut-eye that’s rejuvenating.

Practice # 1: Lights out! 

We sleep better in a dark environment—that’s a fact! 

Our body gets the signal to produce melatonin (sleep hormone) and kickstart the sleep mechanism when it senses darkness. 

Take away the blue screens (TV, iPad, phone, laptop), cover up unnatural light from electronic devices in the bedroom, draw your blackout curtains, and lower your blinds!

Practice # 2: Be cool!

Literally! When it's time for the body to rest, there is an automatic drop in your core body temperature to help initiate sleep.

Lower the temperature to anywhere from 60-68 degrees F and snuggle up!

Practice # 3: Focus on Sensory Care! 

Oil up the eyelids, nostrils, and foot soles—just a drop of cold pressed sesame oil or ghee is enough. Experiment with it for a few days. It helps pacify the restless mind, makes breathing easier, and lets the body fall into a deep sleep. To soothe tired eyes, use a drop of rose water in each eye to help recover from too much screen time!

Learn more Yoga and Ayurvedic practices that support deep sleep! My three-class series starts September 10. In this 9-hour online program, you’ll learn rituals, pranayama, kriya, mudras, asana, and recipes to support your ability to sleep well. Save your spot!