Have you noticed that after a tiring day, you hit the bed, drop off to a sound sleep, and the next morning you wake up refreshed and raring to go? Have you ever wondered why do you feel refreshed or charged after a sound sleep? What is happening to our bodies and minds when we sleep?

Our bodies and minds are in a state of deep relaxation when we are asleep. This state of deep relaxation gives the opportunity to the body to recharge and refresh itself. It is also an opportunity for the conscious mind to relax and calm down. It means that for the body to recharge, it must first relax .

This condition may not be fulfilled in the waking state as the body is usually kept in a ‘ready-to-go’ state because of our reaction to the heavy and unending traffic of thoughts. This state is commonly known  as “stress”. The negative effects of stress are well known as it leads to various types of body and mental ailments. Scientists are working overtime to find solutions to overcome stress and the world is now acknowledging the power of yoga to minimize the effects of stress. Yoga has always emphasized the importance of relaxation as relaxation also gives the opportunity to the body to heal. Yoga therefore developed various methods of relaxation which could be practiced in the waking state without falling off to sleep. These methods would permit the body to relax and hence allow the body to heal and recharge. Scientists today have recognized the need for a person to relax. In fact inventors are burning midnight oil to reduce the areas of stress in our lives. Have they succeeded? The point may be debatable.