As the day winds down and the soft hues of twilight envelop your room, incorporating some relaxing bedtime stretches can work wonders in preparing both your body and mind for a restful night’s sleep. Begin by settling comfortably on your bed, allowing the mattress to cradle your body.

Start with a gentle neck roll, letting your head fall forward and then slowly circling it from side to side. This helps release tension accumulated throughout the day. Next, lift your arms overhead, stretching as far as you can while inhaling deeply. Feel the elongation through your spine, and hold the stretch for a few breaths before allowing your arms to fall back down.

Moving down, extend your legs straight, then bend your knees and gently hug them towards your chest. This gesture not only eases lower back tension but also promotes a sense of calm. As you exhale, release your legs and allow them to fall open, bringing your feet together and letting your knees drop outwards in a relaxed position known as the ‘butterfly stretch’.

Finally, transition into a gentle seated forward fold, where you can sit up straight, inhale, and then as you exhale, lean forward over your legs, feeling a soothing stretch in your back and hamstrings. Hold for several breaths, savouring the calmness washing over you.

These simple stretches, bathed in the tranquillity of the evening, can pave the way for deeper, more restorative sleep, making it easier to drift off into the realm of dreams. So dim the lights, breathe deeply, and let your body unwind.