With lack of sleep plaguing an increasing number of people, Six Senses Spas has added yogic sleep to its recently launched yogic programmes at all of its Six Senses Resorts and Six Senses Spas. Running from three to 14 nights, the programmes are designed to boost the quality of relaxation to improve sleep, and will combine yoga nidra, pranayama and gentle yoga practice in combination with relaxing spa treatments.

“The news about the importance of sleep is all around us and yet we are not getting enough of it,” said Anna Bjurstam, vice president of Six Senses Spas. “...At Six Senses, we have asked for advice from some of the world's leading experts in sleep and nutrition and are delighted to share their advice during our yogic sleep programme."

Yoga nidra, also known as yogic sleep or sleep with awareness, is a practice most often taught lying down. Its goal is to induce full-body relaxation and a deep meditative state of consciousness, addressing practitioners’ psychological, neurological and subconscious needs. It also provides a set of mind-body tools that can help guests achieve everyday wellbeing and practitioners say regular practice leads to relaxation, improved sleep patterns and a stronger immune system.

At the Six Senses villas, features like optimal room temperature, relaxation music, energy cleansing room and pillow mists and sleep-boosting snacks are offered to enhance the effects of the yogic sleep programme.

Guests will receive a sleep journal to clear the mind, process daily experiences or simply prepare for the next day by writing their thoughts down. Six Senses will also provide a guide with practical take-home techniques for creating an ideal body, mind and environment for sleep.

“As we are entering into the winter season, some of us will be experiencing colder weather and less light and these seasonal changes can have a big effect on our overall wellness,” said Bjurstam. “The cooler dry air dries out the body’s mucus membranes and makes it more susceptible to illnesses such as the cold and flu, and the lack of light can cause the body to produce more melatonin, making the body feel tired and sluggish. What's more, our eating habits from Halloween to Christmas often slide down towards foods high in sugar and high-calories.”