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
Marjaryasana–Bitilasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Begin on all fours, wrists below shoulders, knees below hips.
gently warms and mobilises the entire spineAnjaneyasana
2 min(15 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your right foot back into a long lunge position.
stretches the hip flexors and groin of the back leg
Virabhadrasana I
2 min(15 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your left foot back about a metre.
strengthens the legs, glutes, and corePaschimottanasana
2 min(15 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended in front of you.
stretches the hamstrings, calves, and spineSalabhasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Lie face down with arms alongside your torso, palms facing up.
strengthens the muscles of the spine, glutes, and backs of the arms and legsPhalakasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Begin in Downward Dog, then shift forward so wrists are below shoulders.
strengthens the entire core, including deep stabilisersUtkatasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together or hip-width apart.
strengthens the thighs, calves, spine, and anklesMalasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width, toes angled out.
opens the hips and groin
Setu Bandha Sarvangasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Lie on your back with knees bent, feet flat and hip-width apart.
strengthens the back, glutes, and hamstrings
Virabhadrasana II
5 min(50 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and anklesSupta Matsyendrasana
5 min(40 breaths)
Lie on your back with both knees bent.
releases tension in the spine and lower backMatsyasana (Supported)
5 min(40 breaths)
Place a bolster horizontally on your mat (or use two stacked blocks).
opens the chest, heart, and throat gently
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.
- 1Cat–Cow3 min
- 2Crescent Lunge2 min
- 3Warrior I2 min
- 4Seated Forward Fold2 min
- 5Locust Pose5 min
- 6Plank Pose5 min
- 7Chair Pose5 min
- 8Garland Pose5 min
- 9Bridge Pose5 min
- 10Warrior II5 min
- 11Supine Spinal Twist5 min
- 12Supported Fish Pose5 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
