Why I Do Yoga Nidra Almost Daily

Why I Do Yoga Nidra Almost Daily

I wanted to share the practice I do almost everyday: Yoga Nidra. 

Ever heard of it?  Yoga Nidra means "yogic sleep."  Just 20-30 minutes of yoga nidra is the equivalent of SEVERAL HOURS of sleep on the body, mind, and nervous system.  So even though you're not sleeping, your body can experience the healing benefits of sleep.  (I'm talking to you, friends, who wake up at 3am and can't go back to sleep!)  Intrigued?  Keep reading (and for links to free recordings)! 

So What Is Yoga Nidra?

Yoga Nidra is a guided meditation, practiced while lying comfortably on your back. Although the body rests deeply, the mind remains gently aware. This state between waking and sleeping allows the nervous system to reset and the mind to release accumulated stress.

The modern practice was systematized in the 20th century by practitioners from India, who inspired our Westernized models and systems of yoga, though yoga nidra's roots trace back to ancient Vedic, yogic, and tantric meditation traditions.  My main teacher in Ayurveda, Dr. Marc Halpern, is the first teacher to introduce me to the concept and practice of yoga nidra.

Benefits of a Regular Practice

Research suggests yoga nidra can support both mental and physical health. Studies published have found that consistent practice can:

• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Improve sleep quality and insomnia
• Lower blood pressure and support heart health
• Help manage chronic pain
• Improve symptoms of depression and PTSD
• Support hormonal balance and nervous system regulation
• 
  

Some research has also shown benefits for people with conditions such as Hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.  With regular practice, many people experience greater emotional resilience, improved focus, and a deeper sense of calm in daily life.  Just a few sessions per week can create meaningful shifts in how the body handles stress and restores balance. 

Need more help with regulating your nervous system and healing disease?  Email [email protected] Meghan Hays Ayurveda Salt Lake City to learn how to use the ancient practice and natural medicine of Ayurveda, check out my website: meghanhays.com, or book an appointment here.  

Personal Insights

I practice yoga nidra most days of the week as a part of my midday routine, after lunch.  It helps me with digestion, mood regulation, hormonal balance, chronic and acute pain/injuries, energy levels, and afternoon focus...just to name a few.  It also helps me sleep more soundly at night.  I often recommend it to clients as part of a "wind-down" routine before bed.  

I recommend yoga nidra to basically everyone, but especially to those stressed-out, burnt-out, and/or sleep-deprived individuals, who need to build their immune systems, reset and rebalance their nervous systems, and receive more energy and healing to simply make it through the day (so again, basically everyone). 

Since Western medicine and modern science are beginning to prove and support the effectiveness of this ancient practice, proponents like Dr. Andrew Huberman (of hubermanlab.com) have been extolling the virtues of yoga nidra for years now.  You can find plenty of free recordings on YouTube and apps like Insight Timer, and you can even search for "NSDR" ("Non-Sleep Deep Rest"), which is what the science communities are calling it these days. 

My personal favorite practitioner is Ally Boothroyd.  She has over 100 FREE yoga nidra recordings on YouTube.  

Here is the link to Ally Boothroyd’s Yoga Nidra Playlist on YouTube, where you’ll find over 100, free yoga nidra recordings, varying in length from 15 minutes to over an hour.  

Here is the link to my own playlist with some of my favorite Ally Boothroyd yoga nidra recordings.  

If you prefer to download any of the recordings for purchase (most are around $4-5) so that YouTube ads don’t play and wake you up, here is the link to Ally's webpage with yoga nidra recordings for purchase.

Need more help with regulating your nervous system and healing disease?  Email [email protected] of Meghan Hays Ayurveda Salt Lake City to learn how to use the ancient practice and natural medicine of Ayurveda, check out my website: meghanhays.com, or book an appointment here.