Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 1, 2025
07:56
Resting-State Connectivity and Neuroimaging of Prefrontal Cortex Activity During a Block-Design Yoga Asana Practice Using fNIRS
Published on: June 24, 2025
645
A Closer Look at Yoga Nidra: Sleep Lab Protocol
Erica Sharpe1, Alison Lacombe2, Matthew P Butler3
1National University of Natural Medicine, Portland, Ore.; and State University of New York at Canton, Canton, N.Y.
International Journal of Yoga Therapy
|November 11, 2020
Summary
Yoga Nidra, a guided meditation, may help reduce sleep onset latency for individuals with insomnia. This pilot study explored its feasibility and physiological effects on sleep and relaxation.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
- Psychology
Background:
- Extended sleep onset latency (insomnia) is linked to serious health risks like heart disease and mortality.
- Current treatments for insomnia are insufficient, affecting 10-15% of the US population.
- Mind-body therapies, such as meditation, show promise in reducing sleep onset latency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feasibility of Yoga Nidra for insomnia treatment.
- To assess Yoga Nidra's effects on brainwaves, sleep onset, and the autonomic nervous system.
- To inform future clinical studies on Yoga Nidra for sleep and relaxation.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving 22 adults (18-45 years) with insomnia.
- Participants underwent two clinic visits: one control (quiet rest) and one experimental (Yoga Nidra + quiet rest).
- Outcomes included electroencephalography (EEG), heart rate variability (HRV), respiratory rate, sleep onset, and self-reported mood/anxiety.
Main Results:
- Data on feasibility, physiological responses (EEG, HRV, respiratory rate), and sleep onset were collected.
- Self-reported mood and anxiety levels were measured.
- The study provides preliminary data to guide future research.
Conclusions:
- Yoga Nidra is a feasible intervention for insomnia.
- Yoga Nidra shows potential for improving sleep onset and physiological markers of relaxation.
- Further research is warranted to confirm Yoga Nidra's efficacy for sleep disorders.
Related Concept Videos
01:11Understanding Sleep
1.2K
Sleep, an essential biological state, involves significant reductions in physical activity, sensory awareness, and interaction with the environment. This complex physiological process is primarily regulated by specific brain regions, notably the hypothalamus and pons, which govern the sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm.
The circadian rhythm, a nearly 24-hour cycle, is deeply influenced by environmental light cues. Light exposure directly affects the hypothalamus, which in turn regulates...
The circadian rhythm, a nearly 24-hour cycle, is deeply influenced by environmental light cues. Light exposure directly affects the hypothalamus, which in turn regulates...
1.2K
01:15REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
942
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the absence of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during the REM phase of sleep. This absence allows individuals to physically act out their dreams, which are often vivid and disturbing. Common behaviors exhibited during episodes include kicking, punching, and yelling. These actions can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries for the person with RBD or their bed partner.
RBD is significantly associated with...
RBD is significantly associated with...
942
01:22Stages of Sleep
1.1K
Sleep progresses through distinct stages, each characterized by specific brain wave patterns and physiological responses ranging from wakefulness to stages of non-rapid eye movement, known as non-REM, to rapid eye movement, referred to as REM. Understanding these stages helps in recognizing how sleep supports various bodily and cognitive functions.
Before sleep begins, in wakefulness, the brain exhibits primarily beta waves, which are high in frequency and low in amplitude, indicating alertness...
Before sleep begins, in wakefulness, the brain exhibits primarily beta waves, which are high in frequency and low in amplitude, indicating alertness...
1.1K
01:19Management of Insomnia
407
The sleep cycle, an integral part of human health, consists of several stages with distinct characteristics and functions. It begins with a transition from wakefulness to sleep, known as the light sleep phase, followed by the restorative deep sleep phase, essential for physical recovery and growth. The cycle concludes with the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase, characterized by high brain activity and vivid dreaming. Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder, involves difficulty falling asleep, staying...
407
01:24Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
293
Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
293
01:24Sleep-Wake Cycles
2.5K
Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
2.5K