If you’re a human who experiences stress, yoga nidra could be a lifeline. And if you’re one of the billion people worldwide affected by hypertension, the practice, also known as “yogic sleep,” might actually save your life.
Swami Satyananda Saraswati, a yogi who popularized yoga nidra, described the practice as a “systematic method of inducing complete physical, mental and emotional relaxation and in this state, the relaxation is achieved by turning inwards, away from outer experiences.”
In a study from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, researchers found that a single session of yoga nidra led to a statistically significant decrease in blood pressure and an increase in heart rate variability (HRV). Higher HRV is associated with reduced stress and greater resiliency, which could help prevent serious health outcomes such as stroke, heart attack, and kidney disease.
During a yoga nidra session, the teacher draws on a variety of techniques, including body scans, intention-setting, pranayama, and visualizations while students rest in one pose, usually on the back in savasana. As a result of the deep relaxation, practitioners may experience a blissful state between wakefulness and sleep.
Ready to address your stress? Sign up for a yoga nidra class at Yoga District!
Want to know more about the science? Read more about the study and its findings here: Effect of Yoga Nidra on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Variability.
