Is falling asleep during meditation acceptable?

It's perfectly normal for sleepiness during meditation to occur from time to time, especially for beginners, or if you have had a long day. Generally speaking, this drowsiness may indicate a sleepy body that needs rest, rather than a failure in your practice. It is important to distinguish between meditation and intentional napping. Judgments about sleepiness can be counterproductive, but practical adjustments to accommodate it may be beneficial.

Combat persistent drowsiness with intentional changes. Meditate at your highest energies in the morning rather than at your most exhausted in the evening. Adopt seated postures that keep the spine straight. Keep your eyes slightly open while meditating. Decrease the amount of time you spend in meditation temporarily. These changes ensure continued alertness while still meeting the body's requirements.

Note how sleep patterns are affected by regular daily use. In two to three weeks, you should find that mental vigor increases, producing less drowsiness in you. If sleepiness persists, consider whether additional rest is necessary at night. Meditation supplements sleep, but does not supplant the needed nocturnal sleep.

Interpret sleepiness as a sign your body is delivering an important message. If you find yourself frequently sleepy, adjust your practice time or take a short nap. Re-enter your meditation with fresh vigor after that. This balanced view lends itself to a sustainable practice of mindfulness over the long term.

Read the full article: How to Start Meditating: A Beginner's Guide