20-Minute Restorative Yoga for Bedtime
This 20-minute wind-down sequence uses forward folds, gentle twists, and restorative shapes to signal to the nervous system that the day is done. Dim the lights, move unhurriedly, and let the practice carry you toward rest.
Duration
20 minutes
Poses
13 poses
Goal
Bedtime
The Flow
Balasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Kneel on your mat and bring your big toes to touch behind you.
gently stretches the hips, thighs, and ankles
Tadasana
2 min(15 breaths)
Stand with feet together or hip-width apart, big toes touching.
improves posture and body awareness
Virabhadrasana II
2 min(15 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and anklesPaschimottanasana
2 min(15 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended in front of you.
stretches the hamstrings, calves, and spine
Virabhadrasana I
5 min(40-50 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your left foot back about a metre.
strengthens the legs, glutes, and core
Trikonasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, and anklesUtkatasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together or hip-width apart.
strengthens the thighs, calves, spine, and ankles
Vrksasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together.
improves balance and proprioceptionMalasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width, toes angled out.
opens the hips and groinSalamba Bhujangasana
5 min(50 breaths)
Lie on your belly with legs extended, tops of feet on the mat.
gently stretches and strengthens the spineMatsyasana (Supported)
5 min(40 breaths)
Place a bolster horizontally on your mat (or use two stacked blocks).
opens the chest, heart, and throat gentlySupta Matsyendrasana
5 min(40 breaths)
Lie on your back with both knees bent.
releases tension in the spine and lower back
Savasana
5 min
Allow every muscle to soften completely. This is where the practice integrates.
promotes full recoveryQuick Reference
All 13 poses in this sequence, in order.
- 1Child's Pose3 min
- 2Mountain Pose2 min
- 3Warrior II2 min
- 4Seated Forward Fold2 min
- 5Warrior I5 min
- 6Triangle Pose5 min
- 7Chair Pose5 min
- 8Tree Pose5 min
- 9Garland Pose5 min
- 10Sphinx Pose5 min
- 11Supported Fish Pose5 min
- 12Supine Spinal Twist5 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
