Overview

Yoga Nidra, also known as yogic sleep, is a guided meditation practice that induces a state of consciousness between waking and sleeping.It's a deeply relaxing experience that can improve sleep, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being. The practice involves lying in a comfortable position, usually Shavasana (corpse pose), and following the instructions of a guide. 

Here's a more detailed explanation:

State of Consciousness:

It aims to bring the mind to a state of consciousness between wakefulness and sleep, characterized by brainwave patterns associated with deep relaxation and restoration. 

Benefits:

Yoga Nidra is known for its ability to reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and enhance concentration. It's also believed to help with managing anxiety and PTSD symptoms. 

Practice:

The practice typically involves lying down in a comfortable position and following the guidance of a teacher or recording, focusing on the breath and body sensations. 

Ancient Practice:

While the modern form of guided yoga nidra is relatively recent, the concept of "yogic sleep" has roots in ancient texts like the Upanishads and Mahabharata. 

Not just sleep:

Yoga Nidra is distinct from ordinary sleep, as it allows for conscious awareness of the surroundings while still inducing deep relaxation. 

Rebooting the Nervous System:

Some practitioners view yoga nidra as a way to reset the nervous system, helping to calm the mind and body, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. 

Physical and Mental Benefits:

Yoga Nidra is associated with both physical benefits like pain reduction and emotional benefits like feelings of calm and contentment. 

Guided Meditation:

Yoga Nidra is a form of guided meditation where the practitioner is led through a series of visualizations, body scans, and breath awareness techniques.