Goal-based stretches

Bedtime Stretches for Sleep Wind Down

Slow, supported stretches and breathing drills for a calmer evening routine.

Use these stretches before bed when you want longer holds, lower effort, and a routine that helps the body settle.

Page guide

19

matching guided routines

51

individual stretches

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Guided routines for bedtime

Exercises

Stretches for bedtime

0:30spine

Seated Thoracic Rotation

Sit tall in a chair, cross your arms over your chest, and slowly rotate your upper body to each side.

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0:30spine

Cat-Cow Warmup

Move slowly between rounding and arching your back. Match each movement to a steady breath.

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0:30spine

Standing Roll Down

Soften your knees and roll down one vertebra at a time, then rebuild your posture slowly.

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0:30neck shoulders

Doorway Chest Opener

Place forearms on a doorway or wall corner, then step through gently until the chest opens.

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0:30hips

Seated Figure Four

Cross one ankle over the opposite thigh and hinge forward with a long spine.

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0:30full body

World's Greatest Stretch

Move from lunge to elbow drop to open rotation, staying controlled through each position.

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0:30hamstrings

Hamstring Floss

Shift between a bent-knee lunge and a straightened front leg to glide the hamstring.

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0:30spine

Thread the Needle

Slide one arm under the chest and rotate gently through the upper back.

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0:30spine

Knees to Chest

Hug both knees in and breathe into the low back without forcing the range.

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0:30spine

Supine Twist

Let both knees fall to one side while the opposite shoulder stays heavy.

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0:30spine

Child's Pose Side Reach

Sink hips back and walk both hands to one side to open the low back and side ribs.

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0:30hips

Pigeon Variation

Set up a comfortable pigeon shape or use a reclined figure four if your hips prefer it.

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0:30recovery

Legs Up the Wall

Rest your legs up a wall or couch and let the breath become slower.

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0:30hips

Butterfly Forward Fold

Bring soles of the feet together and fold forward with a rounded, relaxed spine.

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0:30breath

Reclined Breathing

Lie down, place one hand on your ribs, and follow slow nasal breaths.

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0:30neck shoulders

Scapular Wall Slides

Stand against a wall and slide elbows upward while keeping ribs soft.

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0:30neck shoulders

Cross-Body Shoulder Stretch

Draw one arm across the chest and keep both shoulders low.

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0:30neck shoulders

Puppy Pose

Keep hips over knees and walk hands forward until the chest softens toward the mat.

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0:30spine

Open Book Rotation

Lie on one side with knees stacked and open the top arm like a book.

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0:30spine

Sphinx Press

Prop onto forearms and gently lengthen the chest forward.

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0:30hips

Adductor Rock Back

Extend one leg to the side and rock hips back until the inner thigh stretches.

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0:30hips

90/90 Hip Switch

Sit in a 90/90 shape and rotate both knees side to side with control.

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0:30hips

90/90 Forward Fold

Fold over the front shin from a 90/90 position while keeping the spine long.

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0:30hips

Deep Squat Hold

Sink into a comfortable squat and use elbows or a block for support.

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0:30hips

Happy Baby

Lie on your back, hold feet or thighs, and let the knees drop wide.

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0:30hamstrings

Supine Hamstring Strap

Loop a strap or towel around one foot and extend the leg toward the ceiling.

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0:30hamstrings

Wide-Leg Forward Fold

Stand with feet wide, hinge at the hips, and let the torso fold toward the floor.

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0:30hamstrings

Pyramid Stretch

Step one foot back, square the hips, and fold over the front leg.

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0:30full body

Downward Dog Pedal

Lift hips into downward dog and alternate bending one knee while lengthening the other heel.

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0:30hips

Shin Box Lift

Sit in a shin box position and lift the hips slightly, then lower with control.

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0:30recovery

Glute Bridge Hold

Press feet into the floor and lift hips until the front of the hips opens.

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0:30neck shoulders

Lat Prayer Stretch

Place elbows on a bench or chair and sink the chest down with hands together.

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0:30spine

Standing Side Bend

Reach one arm overhead and arc gently to the opposite side.

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0:30neck shoulders

Supine Pec Stretch

Lie face down or slightly rotated with one arm out to the side to open the chest.

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0:30neck shoulders

Wall Angels

Stand against a wall and slowly move arms between goalpost and overhead positions.

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0:30hamstrings

Hamstring Sweep

Reach hips back, straighten the front leg, and sweep hands toward the toes.

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0:30breath

Box Breath Reset

Breathe in, hold, breathe out, and hold again for equal counts.

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0:30breath

Extended Exhale Breath

Inhale gently through the nose and exhale for a longer, slower count.

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0:30neck shoulders

Supported Fish

Lie back over a pillow or bolster and let the chest open.

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0:30recovery

Supported Forward Fold

Fold forward over pillows or a chair so the body can fully relax.

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0:30recovery

Constructive Rest

Lie on your back with knees bent and feet planted, letting the body settle.

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0:30hamstrings

Wall Hamstring Scoot

Lie near a wall with one leg up and adjust distance until the stretch is steady.

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0:30hamstrings

Seated Hamstring Stretch

Sit toward the front of the chair, extend one leg with the heel on the floor, and hinge gently forward from the hips.

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0:30spine

Seated Cat-Cow

Sit tall with hands on your knees. Arch your chest forward and up, then round your back and tuck your chin, moving slowly between the two.

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0:30hips

Seated Knee Hug

Sit tall, clasp under one knee, and draw it gently toward your chest. Hold, then switch legs.

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0:30hips

Standing Side Leg Lift

Stand tall holding a wall or chair back, and lift one leg out to the side with the toes facing forward. Lower with control and repeat, then switch.

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0:30hamstrings

Standing Hamstring Stretch

Step one heel a little forward on the floor, keep that leg straight with toes up, and hinge gently forward from the hips. Switch legs.

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0:30spine

Standing Spinal Twist

Stand with feet hip-width, arms crossed over your chest, and rotate your upper body slowly side to side, hips facing forward.

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0:30spine

Standing Back Extension

Place your hands on your lower back, lift your chest, and lean gently backward. Return upright slowly and repeat.

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0:30hips

Standing Outer-Hip Stretch

Cross one foot behind the other, reach the same-side arm overhead, and lean gently away. Switch sides.

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0:30recovery

Seated Forward Fold

With feet wide, slide your hands down your legs and fold gently forward over your thighs, letting the head and arms hang heavy.

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FAQ

What stretches are good before bed?

Legs up the wall, supported forward fold, butterfly forward fold, supported fish, and extended-exhale breathing are good evening choices.

Should bedtime stretching be intense?

No. Bedtime work should feel low-effort and calming, with enough support to breathe naturally.