Chapter 1: The Struggle with Sleep

For those grappling with insomnia, like myself, finding effective solutions can feel like an endless quest. Despite trying various remedies—from medications to sleep sprays—I've found that the Insight Timer meditation app has significantly improved my sleep quality and left me feeling rejuvenated upon waking.

The issue of sleep disturbances has escalated, especially with the pandemic's impact. A writer who experimented with the “Yoga Nidra for Sleep” session on the Insight Timer app over a year ago swears by its effectiveness.

The Insight Timer app boasts over 2,200 meditations focused on enhancing sleep.

By Julie Peck

The concept of sleep being as valuable as intimacy had already gained traction before COVID-19, but the pandemic has only exacerbated sleep troubles, leading many to experience what’s being termed “coronasomnia.” Researchers attribute this phenomenon to stress, erratic schedules, and the virus's effects.

As someone who has long battled insomnia, the onset of sleepless nights during the pandemic was all too familiar. My struggles began in college, where the combination of late-night studying and socializing wreaked havoc on my sleep schedule, and the situation worsened dramatically after the birth of my first child, fueled by the anxiety of checking on him constantly.

Throughout the years, I've tried a myriad of solutions, including prescriptions, lavender sprays, various herbal teas, and melatonin, but nothing has compared to the results I've experienced with Insight Timer. This meditation app offers numerous benefits beyond simply lulling you to sleep; scientific research supports its effectiveness in reducing stress, enhancing self-esteem, boosting focus, and improving sleep quality.

If meditation doesn’t resonate with you, Insight Timer also features a plethora of non-meditative resources to assist with sleep. Additionally, the app covers a wide range of topics, including the pandemic, anxiety, motivation, and even channels dedicated to diverse instructors and live events.

I first encountered Insight Timer over a year ago at the recommendation of a therapist. Now, I utilize it three to four times a week. While there is a Premium subscription available for $9.99 per month or $59.99 annually, the majority of its content is free, boasting an impressive collection of around 90,000 titles that can be accessed online or downloaded for offline use.

The app features programs from a diverse array of instructors, including everyday practitioners and celebrities like Russell Brand, Gisele Bündchen, Goldie Hawn, Elizabeth Gilbert, and Tara Brach, a renowned psychologist and meditation teacher. However, the sheer volume of resources can be overwhelming, making it challenging to know where to begin.

Initially, my therapist highlighted the app's rich resources for sleep, but I felt inundated upon downloading it. With over 2,200 sleep meditations, 2,000 music tracks designed to aid sleep, and 146 talks—many of which are bedtime stories—the options can be daunting. Fortunately, the app's user-friendly interface has improved, with an easily accessible “Sleep” button right on the home screen.

An intriguing feature on the home screen displays a map indicating the number of active users, their daily engagement, and the total membership count.

After sampling several options, I discovered “Yoga Nidra for Sleep,” led by Jennifer Piercy.

Currently, this meditation holds the title of the most highly-rated sleep session on the app, garnering 4.7 stars from over 93,000 users. It's also the most played track overall.

The term “yoga” initially piqued my interest, although I was unaware of what “yoga nidra” entailed. To clarify, “yoga nidra” translates to yogic sleep, and under Piercy's guidance, it proves effective every time.

Piercy emphasizes that this meditation can be practiced in various settings—be it on public transportation or in the comfort of your bed. Personally, I can't imagine using it in public, as I’ve learned that my body begins to relax as soon as I hear her soothing voice. I’d likely leave an embarrassing puddle of drool nearby!

This 22-minute session begins with a mindful exploration of the senses, followed by an intention-setting exercise. Piercy then guides listeners through deep breathing techniques aimed at inducing relaxation and connecting with the universe. The session includes a full body scan to identify and release any lingering tension, transitioning through sensations of heaviness and lightness, and culminates in an invitation to let go of thoughts and embrace deep rest.

Piercy also offers private consultations, though I haven’t tried that option. Her profile on the free course “Your Guide To Deeper Sleep” notes an impressive 19 million listens to her meditations since joining Insight Timer three years ago.

This meditation has been invaluable for tackling my insomnia. As a caregiver for my elderly mother and a parent to a teenager engaged in virtual learning, I've frequently turned to it for a quick afternoon nap, and it delivers refreshing results without the typical grogginess upon waking.

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