Yoga Nidra

Yoga nidra is an effective method of meditation that has a variety of uses. If you are suffering from sleep deprivation, trauma, stress, depression, anxiety, or high blood pressure, yoga nidra can help you achieve greater relaxation and whole body wellness.

You can practice yoga nidra anytime—morning, afternoon, or evening. However, common wisdom cautions against performing yoga nidra right after a meal, since you’re more likely to fall completely asleep.

Whether or not you do yoga nidra in bed depends on your goal for your meditation practice. If you are choosing to practice yoga nidra to calm your mind and body before sleep, you may decide to take your meditation to your bed. However, to experience the full benefits of yoga nidra meditation, it is best to avoid practicing where and when you might fall asleep. Yoga instructors recommend practicing yoga nidra on the floor or yoga mat, with a blanket and eye pillow.

If you’re wondering if there is a difference between yoga nidra and meditation, there isn’t. Yoga nidra is called the “yoga of sleep,” because it is a meditation practice that utilizes the initial stages of falling asleep, tapping into a state between waking and sleeping.

How often you practice yoga nidra is completely up to you. Regular practice imparts numerous benefits, like improved sleep patterns, relief from stress and anxiety, and better concentration.

Yoga nidra is known to help trauma victims and people suffering from PTSD. This type of meditation helps heal trauma by allowing the body to self-regulate, and in the process improve sleep patterns. By allowing the body to fully relax, yoga nidra assists in calming the nervous system and bringing about a sense of well-being