8 Benefits of Yoga Nidra – Non-Sleep Deep Rest

by | May 12, 2023 | Blog

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8 Benefits of Yoga Nidra – Non-Sleep Deep Rest

 

Yoga Nidra is not on everyone’s radar when it comes to talking about wellbeing, sleep or Yoga.  Also known as non-sleep deep rest, NSDR, or deep relaxation, Yoga Nidra is a fabulous wellbeing tool which I have been practicing daily since 2020 and have taught as part of 1-hour Laughter Yoga sessions since 2016.

 

Just like Laughter Yoga, it isn’t in the conventional Yoga format with poses and stretches. Typically, each practice lasts between 20-30 minutes and is best done lying down in a quiet place with darkness, comfort, and warmth.  There is no need to be a seasoned Yogi to practice, and neither is it spiritual.

 

During the practice, breathing exercises, beautiful visualisations, and body scans promote deep relaxation. This can be done at any time of day (although falling asleep at night after Yoga Nidra practice is common).

 

I suggest Yoga Nidra to my clients if they struggle to remain asleep at night, are in sleep deficit, are close to burnout, and at busy times of their lives when energy levels dip very low.

 

For me, when my energy levels are low, you’ll often find me in bed with a 20-minute Yoga Nidra to revive again!  I’ve found it very helpful as we can set intentions and positive affirmations during the practice.

 

Yoga Nidra perfectly complements Laughter Yoga, so we schedule 15-20 minutes in our 1-hour sessions to practice it. This equates to around 2 hours of restful sleep.  We take participants into the deepest sleep – the delta brain waves – and after this they feel more energetic, revitalised, and relaxed.

 

8 benefits of Yoga Nidra I have experienced personally

  1. Quality of sleep – you are less likely to have disturbed sleep and reduces insomnia, therefore your energy levels get boosted.
  2. Stress reduction – activates your parasympathetic nervous system for rest and digestion. Deep relaxation for the whole body and mind, switching off from the outside world. It is hydration for your nervous system.
  3. Sleep deficit – allows you to catch up on your lack of sleep to work productively. Feel revitalised after the Yoga Nidra practice.
  4. Personal growth – and self-awareness of your needs for happiness. A deep reset of emotions, placing things in perspective.
  5. Creativity and problem-solving – with the improvement of concentration and focus, and greater mental clarity.
  6. Handle challenges in a calm way.
  7. Pain management by way of deep relaxation, can help symptoms of IBS and chronic illness associated with high-stress levels.
  8. Self-repair – the body’s natural system of self-repair through being in the deepest sleep.

 

In conclusion, Yoga Nidra is powerful, effective, and improves sleep.  Essential for our health – physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.  A daily practice essentially enhances your overall quality of life and happiness levels.

 

For more information about Yoga Nidra and Laughter Yoga sessions

Please email Sara at happy@seriouslaughter.co.uk

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