Yoga Nidra FAQ + Benefits

yoga nidra

Experience the power of Yoga Nidra, a guided meditation practice and ancient technique from India.

WHAT IS YOGA NIDRA MEDITATION?

Yoga nidra (Sanskrit: योग निद्रा) or yogic sleep is a state of consciousness between waking and sleeping, like the "going-to-sleep" stage (hypnagogia), typically induced by a guided meditation.

An ancient technique from India, mentioned in the Upanishads and the Mahabharata, and utilized by the Rishis, the Indian sages, it has now spread worldwide and is also being applied by the US Army to assist soldiers to recover from post-traumatic stress disorder.

WHY IS YOGA NIDRA NOW BEING POPULARIZED IN THE WEST?

Yoga nidra meditation is now being recognized by Science, as well as being utilized in hospitals & cancer centers around the U.S. and the world due to its highly relaxing & restorative benefits, including relief for those who experience symptoms of PTSD/Complex-PTSD and for trauma survivors.

First Responders & Law Enforcement are especially benefiting from practicing Yoga Nidra meditation, due to extreme and frequent stressful situations occurring on the job. Many who suffer from insomnia or sleep disturbances have found relief with yoga nidra.

WHO CAN PRACTICE YOGA NIDRA?

Yoga Nidra is generally very safe for most folks, and can be highly supportive to any traditional therapies a person is utilizing. It is, however, contraindicated for some mental health conditions (such as schizophrenia & some dissociative disorders). If you have any questions, please contact me to find out more and

always discuss with your therapist & primary care doctor that you are trialing a new meditation practice.

There may also be times at the very initial stage of processing a traumatic event that would call for different protocol & different techniques. I encourage working 1-1 for specialized trauma informed sessions (you can find out more in my MOVEMENT + MEDITATION sections).

WHEN CAN I PRACTICE YOGA NIDRA?

You can practice Yoga Nidra at any time of day, but you must give yourself enough time to digest your last meal fully, at least 2 hours after eating is recommended.

My favorite time to practice is 2 p.m., because this is when many folks have an “energy crash” and look for an outside boost (like caffeine). Yoga Nidra is a restorative meditation and practicing for the traditional length (45 minutes) is equivalent to 3 hours of deep sleep.