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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.
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Updated: Oct 31, 2025

Resting-State Connectivity and Neuroimaging of Prefrontal Cortex Activity During a Block-Design Yoga Asana Practice Using fNIRS
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Sleep, Cognition, and Yoga.

Usha Panjwani1, Sharmila Dudani2, Meetu Wadhwa3

  • 1Department of Neurophysiology, Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, DRDO, Delhi, India.

International Journal of Yoga
|June 30, 2021
PubMed
Summary

Yoga practice effectively improves sleep quality and cognitive function, addressing stress and modern lifestyle challenges. This ancient practice offers significant benefits for overall brain health in various populations.

Keywords:
Brain functionCognitionMeditationSleep

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Area of Science:

  • Integrative Medicine
  • Neuroscience
  • Psychology

Background:

  • Global stress and modern lifestyles significantly disrupt sleep quality and cognitive function.
  • Sleep disturbances are linked to reduced alertness, impaired mental function, and adverse physiological effects.
  • Yoga, an ancient Indian practice, is gaining global popularity as a potential intervention for stress and sleep disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review existing literature on the effects of yoga and meditation on sleep and cognitive functions.
  • To explore the role of yoga in optimizing brain function across different age groups and in various health conditions.
  • To synthesize evidence on how yoga impacts autonomic function, brain structure, neurochemistry, and neural connectivity.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed and Science Direct.
  • Included studies published in English with no time restrictions.
  • Critically examined available research on yoga's effects on sleep and cognition.

Main Results:

  • Studies indicate positive effects of yoga on sleep quality and cognitive skills in healthy adults.
  • Yoga practice has shown benefits for individuals with certain neurological conditions.
  • Evidence suggests yoga optimizes sleep architecture and cognitive functions through various physiological and neurological mechanisms.

Conclusions:

  • Yoga practice is an effective adjunct for optimizing sleep and cognitive functions.
  • Yoga influences autonomic function, brain structure, metabolism, neurochemistry, and functional brain network connectivity.
  • Further research is warranted, but current findings support yoga's role in enhancing overall brain health and function.