Sleep is mysterious, and for some of us it is a mystery what is really going on in our heads when we slip into the dream world. For others, it's mysterious how we get enough hours of sleep or how we even fall asleep. If you are looking for yoga nidra or yogic sleep, there are ancient trainings. These were once reserved for kings and leaders in India. Nowadays these have now established themselves in the mainstream. So, what exactly is this sleep aid and how can it help you? In this post we have provided some useful information for you in this regard.
What is Yoga Nidra?
There are two things the term refers to: The set of techniques that comprise the practice and actual state of the type of yoga. The state can best be described as pure bliss.
However, if you need a more specific explanation of what this body condition feels like, you can describe it as if you were trying to explain what a strawberry tastes like to someone who has never tasted one. The experience itself speaks volumes, so it's best to try it out for yourself.
To get there, practitioners follow specific instructions, including breathing and mental focus exercises like any other guided meditation. These are taught by a trained yoga teacher in Savasana while you lie on your back. This offers an advantage over meditation because lying down is generally more comfortable than sitting.
There are several techniques, but all will lead you to a moment of bliss or to sleep if that is your goal. Think of it as an extended Savasana session at the end of the yoga class, with a relaxed teacher guiding you through each moment.
Every step of the way leads you into deeper states of relaxation,until the body can fall asleepand consciousness is maintained. In this case, the brain waves slow down, with very similar patterns observed that are normally seen in healthy sleepers. The magic of the practice is that the hemispheres of the brain, heart and nervous system are brought into a coherent state.
Benefits of the type of yoga
This guided exercise is the perfect distraction to take your attention away from the countless everyday things you probably have in your brain at any given time. The deep relaxation and breathing techniques help your body turn off the production of hormones like cortisol, thereby reducing stress.
Another main function of the practice is to create balance and harmony in the nervous system by calming your mind. When the brain and nervous system have the opportunity to synchronize like this, you receive the perfect dosage from the endocrine system to put you to sleep, where your body functions work in harmony. Additionally, yoga nidra can be helpful for increasing creativity, productivity, concentration, and even help with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
How do you practice yogic sleep?
There is no right way to practice this type of yoga. However, there are a variety of options if you want to learn it. You can check your local yoga or meditation studio to see if they offer the appropriate classes. Otherwise, you can try out Mojo Di Falling Asleep yourself at home using audio or text.
As mentioned above, start in Savasana. Then you can do a guided Yoga Nidra meditation.
What is the best time for Yoga Nidra?
The answer depends on when you want to fall asleep with Yoga Nidra. It is best to use the method before bed. However, if you want to try it to improve your sleep, you can do so at any time of the day. Maybe you should even try it as a 30-minute nap on your lunch break if you're particularly tired.
