If you can breathe, you can do yoga

A few years ago I was at a newspaper reunion when a former co-worker began to tell me about her insomnia. The poor woman had not slept more than three hours a night for several years and was near her breaking point. I am deeply sympathetic. There is nothing worse than a poor night's sleep. As a yoga teacher, I suggested that she try yoga to help her sleep, but she dismissed the idea, saying she wasn't cut out for it. But in reality, if you are breathing, you can do yoga because the main requirement is coordinating your breath with movement. Some yoga poses may be out of reach due to physical limitations, but there really is a yoga class for everyone. Most senior citizens' centers even offer chair yoga. With its emphasis on deep breathing and relaxation, yoga can help you get to sleep and enjoy a deeper sleep. It might take some trial and error to find the right class, but keep a few things in mind: don't go to a high-intensity yoga class at night if you are looking for a better night's sleep and want to relax. A gentle or restorative yoga class is a much better bet. Don't be afraid to try several different classes and instructors. Finally, browse the Internet for yoga poses that are calming and promote sleep. As a rule, forward folds are very calming. You can fold forward from a standing position, or sit on the floor with your legs  together and straight out, lift your arms overhead on an inhale and then exhale and fold forward. Take 10 deep breaths. Repeat. For more information, visit beachroseyoga.com.