What are some facts about sleeping?

 

1. Most parents lose between 400 and 750 hours of sleep in each child’s first year.

2. The record for the longest period of time without sleep stands at 264.4 hours and was set by a high school student in 1964.

Randy Gardner

3. Man is the only mammal that willingly delays sleep.

4. Scientists still don't know — and probably never will — if animals dream during REM sleep, as humans do.

5. Caffeine has been called the most popular drug in the world that hinders sleep.

Source: 25 Random Facts about Sleep

Source: 18 Interesting Facts You (Probably) Didn’t Know About Sleep

Isn’t sleeping with Vrinda by Vishnu an act of injustice?

Let’s see what veda say about Sriman Narayana:

Salutations again and again to the one with forms everywhere, the truthful one, the supreme Brahman, the highest Being, the one who is dark and yellow in hue, the one who is fully celibate, and the all seeing one whose form is the universe.

Sriman Narayana is considered to be SUPREME YOGI. He is considered to be eternally celibate.

Now people might ask, “How could he have children if he was eternally celibate?”. Always remember, Lord Brahma was born from the navel of Sri Hari without help of Mata Lakshmi. He had children in his avatar from his Yogic ability.

One thing should be clearly understood, to marry Sri Narayana or Mahadeva or Sri Rama or Sri Krsna is not a piece of cake. The person should undergo severe austerities and penance to get him as husband, so did Tulsi. Also it should be clear that Sriman Narayana marries no one except Mata Lakshmi :

Devi Puraana, Book 9, Chapter 24

O Honoured One! For a long time you performed tapasyâ in this Bhârata, to get Me. S’ankhachûda, too, performed tapasyâ for a long time to get you. By that tapas, S’ankhachûda got you as wife. Now it is highly incumbent to award you also with the fruit that you asked for. Therefore I have done this.

Now quit your this terestrial body and assume a Divine Body and marry Me. O Râme! Be like Laksmî. This body of yours will be known by the name of Gandakî, a very virtuous, pure and pellucid stream in this holy land of Bhârata. Your hairs will be turned into sacred trees and since they are born of Tulasi's hair they will be called Tulasi.

 Tulasi devi is considered to be portion of Mahalakshmi Devi herself according to Devi Bhagvat who got cursed and got married to Sankhachuda, who too did austerities to get her as wife:

“Then, on an auspicious day, on an auspicious moment, auspicious Yoga, auspicious Lagna, auspicious Amsa, and on auspicious combination of planetary rulers and their houses, she delivered on the full moon night of the month of Kârtik one beautiful daughter, the incarnation of Laksmî. The holy wise men named Her Tulasî.”

Please remember a thing, Sriman Narayan’s body is not material. It is completely spiritual. So we too should percieve his leelas through spiritual point of view!

OM NAMO NARAYANA!

 

Why is Lord Vishnu mostly in the sleeping posture, however every other god is usually seen sitting?

 

Yog Nidra : According to sacred texts ; Lord Vishnu undergoes Yoga Nidra for a certain time of a year.

Seers and devotees believe; it is his provable way to remember Lord Shiva , his beloved deity.

Many devotees believe ; Lord Sri Hari recharges himself to create; sustain and destroy world.

Chaturmaas : It is known as Chaturmaas (four months) ; when all auspicious acts are forbidden.

Hindu monks do not travel during this specific period and indulge in meditative prayers.

Anant shesh : Lord Vishnu reclines on Anant Shesh ji - his divine serpent.

Anant shesh happens to be among the greatest devotees of Lord Sri Hari Vishnu.

He epitomizes Kundalini Shakti (mystical powers) and utmost devotion.

Powers : Anant Shesh guards Lord Sri Hari against all form of negative energy.

It also acts as couch ; cover and fan for Lord Sri Hari Vishnu.

Devuthani : After four months ;Lord Sri Hari gets up from his divine sleep on Devuthani Ekadashi.

Naturally, all auspicious deeds start from that day.

Facts : Lord Sri Hari not only sleeps ;but sits on his couch.

All deities have personal symbols -Lord Shiva’s Baghambar (tiger’ skin) ; Goddess Durga’ lion.)

Each symbol in Hindu philosophy has a specific and subtle meaning.

Prayer : Sri Ganeshaya Namah Jai Sita Ram Narayan Jai Sri Lakshmi Bhumi Anant Shayanam Narayan Namo Parvatipataye Har Har Mahadev Shiv Shambo

Pic Credits : Google Images/ Web

How do different sleep positions affect body health and well-being?

 You will be surprised to know that the way you sleep has a profound effect on your health. It is not just about comfort, but it affects everything from your spine to your digestion. Let's see how.

1. Sleeping on your back (best):

This is considered to be the best sleeping position. In this, your spine and neck remain straight in their natural position, which reduces the risk of back and neck pain.

When you sleep on your back, your weight is evenly distributed across the body. This does not put pressure on any one joint. Also, it prevents acid reflux as your head remains above the stomach.

2. Sleeping on the side (very good):

This is the most common position in the world and it is also very good for health. It helps in reducing snoring and improves digestion. Sleeping on the left side, in particular, is nothing less than a miracle! Our digestive system is designed in such a way that sleeping on the left side helps food move through the intestines easily and improves digestion. Moreover, our brain cleanses itself at night through the Glymphatic System. Studies show that sleeping on the left side speeds up this cleansing process, which keeps the brain healthy.

3. Sleeping on the stomach (worst):

This is the worst sleeping position. While it may reduce snoring for some people, it is extremely harmful for health.

Sleeping on the stomach causes your spine to lose its natural 'S' shape and become completely flat. The biggest problem is that you have to keep your neck bent at 90 degrees to breathe. This puts terrible strain on the neck and back muscles, leading to stiffness in the morning and severe pain in the long run.

So, the next time you go to sleep, remember, your position can make or break your health.

Figure 1: Your visual guide to healthy and unhealthy sleep positions.