Soul Sanctuary: Columnist Heemali Inamdar ponders the elusiveness of sleep

To mark World Sleep Day in March, our lovely new columnist, trauma trained yoga facilitator Heemali Inamdar, ponders the importance of a good night’s slumber

One piece of advice I’ve heard way too often in the wellness world is: ‘The most important thing is to get enough sleep’. While it’s true that sleep plays a key role in our health, I have to admit, this kind of advice can feel a bit frustrating. Like many, I’ve had my fair share of sleepless nights, when no matter what I did, sleep just wouldn’t come. For anyone dealing with insomnia, I can only imagine how tough it must be to hear that sleep is the answer when it’s the one thing that feels completely out of reach. It’s disheartening, to say the least. The truth is, we all have different relationships with sleep, and sometimes, the pressure to ‘just sleep’ can make things even harder.

Sleep is undeniably important for our physical and mental wellbeing; it helps us recharge, process emotions, and improve cognitive function. But when it comes to actually getting enough of it, that ‘just sleep more’ advice is often easier said than done. For some, it can feel like a distant dream—whether it’s racing thoughts, physical or emotional discomfort, or something else. Many of us face unique challenges when it comes to getting restful slumber, and the conversation around sleep health needs to reflect that. Simply saying, ‘sleep is key’ without acknowledging the very real struggles people face with sleep disorders doesn’t always help. In fact, it can add yet another layer of stress for those who are already struggling. Instead of feeling empowered, people can start to feel like they’re failing at something they have little control over.

So, in honour of World Sleep Day, I ask you to be mindful and remember that one size does not fit all. We all have unique needs when it comes to rest, and finding a routine that works for you—without added pressure—is key. In my experience, one of the most helpful approaches during times when sleep is hard to come by has been finding ways to regulate my nervous system. This can be as simple as a few calming practices before bed, and while everyone is different, some techniques that have worked for me include things like deep breathing, elevating my legs by placing them up the wall (or even against the headboard), and placing a pillow or bolster under my knees to take the pressure off my lower back. A warm bath with gentle music, reading a book, or limiting blue light exposure (even though it’s tough!) can all help too. It’s not about forcing sleep to happen, but creating an environment where it can unfold naturally.

Hormones also play a huge role in our sleep patterns, especially for women. As a trauma-trained yoga facilitator and women's holistic health coach, I often see a direct link between a woman’s cycle and her sleep, and I can personally relate to this. I’ve learned to recognise how my own cycle impacts my sleep—particularly during menstruation. For me, it tends to become more challenging when I’m on my period. My body temperature shifts, I feel more irritable and restless, and I sometimes experience aches and pains that make it difficult to fully relax. This cycle can make sleep feel even more elusive, but I’ve learned to give myself grace during these times and adjust my routines accordingly.

By acknowledging the impact of hormones and understanding our own unique nighttime patterns, we can begin to approach sleep health with more compassion and flexibility. Instead of expecting perfection, it’s about embracing the ebb and flow of our bodies and recognising that some nights will be harder than others—and that’s okay.

Heemali Inamdar is a trauma trained yoga facilitator, women’s holistic health coach and founder of Leave Her Wild Yoga. Find out more at leaveherwildyoga.com