Yoga Nidra

Enables transformation through a state of deep relaxation

Yoga Nidra is also known as “yogic sleep” or “effortless relaxation”. It can be described as the conscious state between wakefulness and sleep, allowing deep relaxation and a sense of wellbeing through awareness and the welcoming of all that is present.

History and Origins

Yoga Nidra is an ancient practice originating in India. Its roots can be traced back to Sankhya philosophy (first written down around 700 BC but dating back to around 1000 BC through verbal teaching). These early teachings were practised and expanded upon over the centuries through the non-dualist philosophy of Advaita Vedanta and the Tantric teachings of Kashmir Shaivism.

Yoga Nidra continues to evolve. Clinical psychologist Dr Richard Miller has developed the iRest system of Yoga Nidra as a therapeutic practice used in settings such as hospitals, prisons and clinics for war veterans.

Philosophy and Principles

As mentioned above the philosophy underpinning Yoga Nidra started with Sankhya philosophy – a dualist philosophy which taught that there was separation between the witness (purusha) and that being witnessed (prakriti) such as thoughts, objects, feelings and other beings. Sankhya taught that the key to happiness was to become aware of this dualism.

Centuries later the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta and the Tantric teachings of Kashmir Shaivism developed this to say that these “objects” we experience are not, in fact, separate but are a projection of our witnessing and that we are connected to them. By exploring objects in our awareness we can experience this connectedness – these are non-dualist philosophies.

Yoga Nidra practice today

Yoga Nidra is a form of deep relaxation where the practitioner’s body is completely relaxed and the teacher guides them with verbal instructions. A typical session lasts 30-45 minutes. It is most often taught with the student lying down being guided by a teacher. The teacher will guide the student through several stages.

It starts with developing concentration, asking ourselves what we want from life and setting intentions for the practice. Meditations on the body and the breath help to create an inner resource to bring a sense of wellbeing.

The teacher then guides the student to focus their awareness on breath, sensations in the body, emotions and thoughts – all the while observing these as a witness and welcoming what comes without getting caught up in the thoughts and sensations.

This develops “witness consciousness” – the understanding that we are more than our thoughts and recognising ourselves as the one who is aware (the witness).

Yoga Nidra can be practiced and taught on its own or you may find short Yoga Nidra practices used in the end of a yoga class during Savasana.

The benefits of Yoga Nidra

It can be practiced by anyone; no previous yoga or meditation experience is needed although the benefits will be greater with practice. It is ideal for people who struggle with letting go in meditation and is beneficial for people with sleep deprivation, anxiety and depression.

Yoga Nidra

releases negative emotions and thought patterns
calms the nervous system
develops your inner resource to meet any and all circumstances you may encounter in life

iRest Yoga Nidra, developed by Richard Miller, has received significant attention from the scientific research community. It has been shown to have benefits for clinical populations such as war veterans with PTSD, substance misusers and people with certain physical and mental health conditions effectively reducing: