What is yoga nidra, and how does it differ from regular sleep?

Yoga nidra, meaning 'yogic sleep,' is a guided meditation practice that induces deep relaxation while maintaining conscious awareness. Unlike regular sleep, practitioners remain in a state between waking and sleeping. During a typical 30-60 minute session, you lie in savasana while a teacher guides you through body awareness, breath observation, and visualization. Research shows yoga nidra can reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and even help with PTSD. One hour of yoga nidra is said to equal 4 hours of regular sleep in terms of restoration.

Key Takeaways

• 1Guided meditation inducing deep relaxation
• 2Remain conscious while deeply relaxed
• 330-60 minute sessions lying down
• 4Reduces stress, anxiety, and improves sleep
• 5One session equals several hours of restorative sleep