In the rolling hills of Le Marche, surrounded by olive groves and the gentle rhythms of rural Italian life, Casa Anandi offers more than just a beautiful place to stay—it provides a sanctuary for deep, restorative sleep. As someone who has dedicated decades to understanding the science and art of rest, I designed this retreat with one core purpose: to help you rediscover what true rest feels like.
The Sleep Crisis We Face
In our hyper-connected world, genuine rest has become a luxury. The blue light from our devices, constant notifications, and never-ending to-do lists have disrupted our natural sleep cycles. As an Ayurvedic sleep specialist, I’ve witnessed firsthand how poor sleep quality affects everything from our immune function to our emotional resilience and creative thinking.
The consequences extend beyond feeling tired. Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to increased risks of heart disease, diabetes, weight gain, depression, and impaired cognitive function. Yet, in the rush of modern life, we often treat sleep as negotiable—something to sacrifice in favour of productivity.
Ayurveda: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Sleep Problems
Ayurveda, India’s 5,000-year-old system of natural medicine, offers profound insights into the art of rest. According to Ayurvedic principles, quality sleep is essential for balancing our doshas (constitutional types) and maintaining overall health.
At Casa Anandi, I’ve integrated these ancient teachings into the very fabric of your stay:
- Evening rituals: Our property naturally encourages the winding-down rituals that signal to your body it’s time to rest. From sunset views on the terrace to gentle evening breathwork sessions, we help transition your nervous system from “doing” to “being” mode.
- Your Dosha: Opportunities to discover your constitutional type with Ayurvedic Consultations
- Learn how to improve your sleep: I can offer advice on improving your sleep from my 15 years as The Sleep Guru!
The Breathwork-Sleep Connection
As a master breathwork facilitator trained in the Himalayan tradition, I’ve discovered that the breath is perhaps our most powerful tool for improving sleep quality. When we learn to regulate our breathing patterns, we directly influence our autonomic nervous system—shifting from the “fight-or-flight” response that keeps us alert to the “rest-and-digest” state essential for deep sleep.
During your stay, you’ll have opportunities to book breathwork classes and workshops. Learn techniques that:
- Calm an overactive mind before bed
- Release physical tension that prevents comfortable sleep
- Increase oxygen flow, enhancing cellular repair during rest
- Activate the parasympathetic nervous system, your body’s relaxation response
These practices don’t require special equipment or years of training—just 10 minutes of intentional breathing can dramatically improve your sleep quality.
Our Sleep Sanctuary: Designed for Deep Rest
The 200-year-old stone walls of Casa Anandi do more than tell a story of Italian heritage—they create the perfect sleep environment:
- Acoustic isolation: Nestled in our olive grove, far from urban noise pollution, the natural soundscape of countryside evenings creates the perfect audio backdrop for deep sleep.
- Organic bedding: Your bed features natural, non-toxic materials that support your body without being exposed to harmful chemicals.
- Aromatherapy Oil Burner in the room: Subtle, sleep-supporting scents like lavender and sandalwood help trigger your brain’s relaxation response.
Simple Sleep Tips to Take Home
While your time at Casa Anandi may help reset your sleep patterns, I’m equally passionate about giving you tools to maintain better sleep after you return home:
- Consistency is key: Try to maintain the same sleep and wake times, even on weekends, to honor your body’s internal clock.
- Create a wind-down ritual: The 20-30 minutes before bed should signal to your body that it’s time to rest. Try gentle stretching, reading (not on screens), or writing in a gratitude journal.
- Practice 4-7-8 breathing: Inhale for a count of 4, hold for 7, exhale for 8. Repeat 3-4 times before bed to activate your parasympathetic nervous system.
- Honour the transition: Create a distinct barrier between daytime activities and sleep time. This might be as simple as changing into designated sleep clothes or washing your face mindfully.
- Cool, dark, and quiet: Make your bedroom as dark as possible, slightly cool (around 65-68°F/18-20°C), and free from disruptive noise.
A Personal Invitation
Having overcome my own challenges with sleep deprivation and stress, creating Casa Anandi as a sanctuary has been deeply meaningful. This isn’t just a B&B—it’s a place where the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda meets the comfort of Italian hospitality, all designed to help you rediscover what it feels like to truly rest.
Whether you join us for a simply relaxing B & B experience or a stay where you take full advantantage of the offerings, you’ll leave with more than memories of Marchegiani sunsets and perhaps some new knowledge of how restorative sleep feels and practical tools to maintain it.
In the words of the ancient Ayurvedic texts, “Sleep is the nursemaid of the world.” At Casa Anandi, we invite you to return back to your most vibrant, well-rested self.
Alison Francis (Anandi) is the founder of Casa Anandi, an author of “Breathe Better Sleep Better,” and a recognized sleep expert with over three decades of experience in yoga, breathwork, and Ayurvedic principles.
