When Yoga Keeps You Awake With Liz Albanis | Ep 26

Host Liz Albanis explains one of the biggest and most important misconceptions about yoga. Yoga is supposed to help you sleep, so why do some nights end with you feeling calm after class but totally wired in bed? Many have heard the advice to “just go to yoga”. But this is not always the case. Especially when you’re living with insomnia, PTSD and high stress levels  or a nervous system that won’t switch off. The type of practice and the time of day matters more than most people realise.Liz walks through what’s happening under the hood with trauma and sleep, including how hyper-vigilance and sympathetic nervous system dominance can keep the body on alert long after the danger has passed. We also get practical about breathwork. Fast pranayama and kriya techniques like Kapalabhati (Skull Shining Breath) and Bhastrika (Bellows Breath) can be powerful, mood shifting, and also overstimulating, with real contraindications and cautions for PTSD and other mental health conditions. If you’ve ever tried a “beginner” breathing video and felt spun out, you’re not imagining it.Key Takeaways:Why insomnia and disturbed sleep are common with PTSD and nervous system dysregulation Why yoga does not always switch on rest and digest How hypervigilance and evening practice can keep the body “on” Fast pranayama and kriya that can overstimulate including Kapalabhati and Bhastrika Why YouTube breathwork is not always beginner friendly and the need for skilled guidance Sleep-supportive breathing basics including nasal breathing and a longer exhale How vinyasa flow and heated classes can raise heart rate and activation at night Why active backbends can be energising and why forward bends can be calming Yoga nidra benefits and why it can be too activating for some people The role of trial and error plus timing, stress, and hormones If you want some help starting,  Liz invites the audience to look at:https://www.lizalbaniswellness.com.au/freebiesFor is a trauma informed meditation relaxation and PDF guide. Relax and Renew And Restore Interactive PDF that includes a wonderful pranayama  called Bee Breath Brahmari. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love the show? We’d love a review!Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Want to make video and audio editing quicker and simpler? Get 50% off the first 2 months of the Descript Creator Monthly Plan. Instagram:  Youtube