Last updated: December 21, 2023
What Does
Sleeping Angle Pose Mean?
Sleeping angle pose is an inverted restorative asana that is part of the primary series in Ashtanga yoga.
To enter the pose, begin seated on a mat in staff pose. Mindfully roll the spine back onto the mat one vertebra at a time until fully reclined. Keeping the arms extended alongside the body with the palms pressing into the mat, draw the knees up and over until the feet touch the ground behind the head. Part the feet and grasp each big toe with the corresponding hand. For a deeper expression of the pose, let go of the toes and clasp the hands behind the back. Extend the sit bones toward the sky, while keeping the gaze upward and the neck straight.
Sleeping angle pose is also known by its Sanskrit name, supta konasana.
Yogapedia Explains Sleeping Angle Pose
Preparatory poses for sleeping angle pose include plow pose, seated wide angle pose, supported shoulder stand and one-legged shoulder stand.
Sleeping angle pose has the following benefits:
- Improves concentration
- Massages the thyroid gland
- Strengthens the core and back muscles
- Stretches the spine, legs and arms
To ease pressure on the spine in this pose, place a folded blanket under the shoulders and neck. For a modified version, place the feet against a wall or use yoga blocks to support the feet.
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Synonyms
Reclining Angle Pose
Shoulder Stand Splits
Lying Angle Pose
Reclined Angle Pose