10 Step Yoga Nidra: Curing the Sleep Crisis

by Jenn Bodnar | May 17, 2018 8:25 pm

When you think of a crisis, getting enough sleep is probably not the first issue that comes to mind. According to Reader’s Digest, sleep deprivation now rivals obesity and smoking as our greatest public health crisis.   People are going to great lengths to catch their much needed z’s.   Some choices are healthy like using guided meditations, investing in and creating a .   Others, like medications and sleep aids, are not so healthy and and can cause more damage than they are worth.

If you’re looking for a holistic approach to better sleep, Yoga Nidra may be for you! Yoga Nidra is among the deepest possible states of relaxation. It is said that one hour of Yoga Nidra is equivalent to a few hours of sleep.

What is Yoga Nidra?

Yoga nidra is an ancient practice that’s becoming more and more popular as a form of deep meditation and mind-body therapy. It is a systematic form of that typically is done for 35 to 40 minutes at a time. Think of it as an extended savasana.

 

How do you do Yoga Nidra?

1. Set a detailed and simple intention.

2. Lie down on your back comfortably.

3. Close your eyes.

4. Repeat your intention three times.

5. Take a slow and deep inhale counting to four, exhale slowly, counting to eight.

6. Starting with your right side, acknowledge all your body parts, one by one, steadily.

   Follow this progression: fingers, front and back of the hand,   whole hand, forearm, elbow, upper arm, shoulders, neck, each part of your face (forehead, mouth, eyes, nose), ear, scalp, throat, chest, rib cage, back, waist, stomach, lower abdomen, genitals, glutes, spine, thigh, top and back of knee, shin, calf, ankle, top of foot, heel, sole, toes.

   Take a moment to acknowledge your whole body and repeat this process on your left side.   Repeat the entire sequence on both sides if needed.

7. Remain aware of the entire body and the space surrounding it, feeling the stillness and peace.

8. Reaffirm your intention three times.

9. Mentally prepare to return to ordinary consciousness.

10. Gently move your smaller body parts for a few moments, take a deep breath, and then open your eyes.

By calming your nervous system, you can prepare the body for deep sleep.   Try this practice if you need a simple technique for improved sleep.   It can be one of the most things you do for your health.

Source URL: https://yogadigest.com/yoga-nidra-cure-the-sleep-crisis/

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