Yoga Nidra for Sleep
Yoga nidra for sleep also known as yogic sleep is a unique and guided meditative practice that is rooted in the ancient yogic tradition. This practice combines the benefits of relaxation and meditation helping the practitioner guide into the state between wakefulness and sleep. Yoga nidra for sleep is not an unconscious rest but an intentional and conscious journey that helps promote relaxation and enhances inner awareness.
This practice is very beneficial for anyone who is suffering from insomnia or stress-related sleep disturbances. It can help a person quieten their mind and surrender to the present moment while rejuvenating their sleep experience. In this article, we will talk about how to practice yoga nidra forcibly while also learning about the various benefits of this meditative practice.
Step-by-step guide to yoga nidra for sleep
- To start on this journey you first need to find a comfortable position and lie down on your back in a corpse pose. Make sure that your body is in a straight line with your arms slightly away from the body and palms facing upwards.
- At the beginning of your session set a positive intention also known as Sankalpa which will include affirmative statements that are aligned with your goals and aspirations.
- Now you will need to scan your body and bring attention to your inner parts and functioning of each body system while consciously releasing tension and relaxing yourself.
- Throughout yoga nidra, for sleep, you need to be aware of your breath, and observe your inhalation and exhalation without attempting to forcefully control it. Make your breath awareness your anchor in this whole practice.
- During yoga nidra for sleep, you will become aware of your emotions, sensations, and other mental images which you need to observe without judgment and attachment.
- You can also engage in guided visualization that will help in promoting peace and tranquility. You can imagine a series and skip any happy experience or a symbol that resonates with relaxation.
- At the end of the session, you will be guided towards a gentle transition back to wakefulness. You will gradually become aware of your surroundings and yourself.
Beginners tip
- To practice your nidra for sleep effectively you can dim the lights and relax in warm tones and soft lighting.
- Make sure you have comfortable bedding and a pillow that will create a cozy and serene space for you to promote relaxation.
- Choose a place that is quiet and distraction-free to practice effective yoga nidra for sleep. You can also use earplugs to create a peaceful environment.
- The temperature of the room where you are practicing yoga nidra for sleep should be tolerable which means neither too cold nor too hot.
- When you are thinking of practicing yoga nidra for sleep then make sure that you have not used any screen for at least 30 minutes before your practice. This will make sure that you have enough production of melatonin and sleep hormone.
Benefits of yoga nidra for sleep
- Yoga nidra for sleep is one of the great ways to extend your sleep cycle and make it more peaceful and deep, reducing the stress and anxiety of the day. Below we have mentioned some of the benefits of yoga nidra for sleep.
- Yoga nidra for sleep is beneficial for improving the ability to fall asleep by creating a conducive environment that helps in the initial stages of sleep making it easier and smoother.
- Yoga nidra is also helpful in making a person reach a state of deep relaxation promoting a better sleep experience.
- While a person practices yoga nidra for sleep during their bedtime routine they will have fewer nightmares and frequent nighttime awakenings will also reduce helping in a disturbance-free sleep cycle.
- Yoga nidra for sleep can also activate relaxation. While practicing this relaxation technique our body reduces cortisol levels which is also called stress response and increases the sense of tranquility and peaceful mind.
- Yoga nidra for sleep also calms the sympathetic nervous system which is responsible for our bodies’ stress response. This fosters a serene state of mind and provides a peaceful sleep.
- While practicing yoga nidra for sleep a person also enhances their self awareness which contributes to better emotional regulation and promotes mindfulness just before bedtime.
- You will also feel an increased energy level while practicing yoga nidra for sleep which will help in productive daytime functioning and a better daily life.
- Your cognitive functions will also enhance while practicing yoga nidra for sleep including memory decision making and concentration.
Precautions and considerations
- Those who have specific health conditions like respiratory disorders or cardiovascular issues then they should first consult a professional before incorporating yoga nidra for sleep in their daily routine.
- Also, people who are going through psychological concerns like acute anxiety disorder or posttraumatic stress disorder should incorporate yoga for sleep into their daily life with caution as it can trigger some memories which can worsen the condition.
- If children and adolescents are interested in incorporating yoga nidra for sleep in their daily routine then they should seek professional guidance and practice only underguided experienced instructors. This way they can read the benefits of this practice even more and help with their attention span.
Professional guidance: 7 chakras yoga school
If you are seeking to learn yoga nidra for sleep under experienced instructors and professional guidance then you should check out 7 chakras yoga school and its many courses. This yoga School offers a variety of different yoga teacher training courses that incorporate yoga nidra in their daily practice.
It is advised for beginners to do this practice under guidance to get maximum benefits and learn the right way of practicing it. This is what you will learn at 7 chakras yoga school. So check out various courses like 200 hour, 300 hour, and 500 hour yoga teacher training that have yoga nidra for sleep in their course curriculum.
Bottom line
To conclude we can say that incorporating yoga nidra for sleep in a person’s daily routine can have many benefits on their overall life. This practice is particularly beneficial for enhancing the quality of sleep and creating self-awareness in a person. This will in turn provide a spectrum of benefits that can help a person in daily life like enhanced cognitive functions and better emotional regulation.
This was all! We hope you like reading this article. If you want to read more such one then you should check out our website and delve deeper into the world of meditative yoga. Also don’t forget to check out 7 chakras yoga school for a variety of different courses with yoga nidra for sleep.
Stay safe and healthy!
Namaste!