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Functional connectivity changes in meditators and novices during yoga nidra practice
Suruchi Fialoke1, Vaibhav Tripathi2, Sonika Thakral3
1National Resource Center for Value Education in Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, India.
Scientific Reports
|June 5, 2024
Summary
Yoga nidra (YN) practice uniquely modulates the default mode network (DMN) in experienced meditators, reducing connectivity for restful awareness. This neural decoupling correlates with meditation experience, offering insights into YN
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Yogic Studies
Background:
- Yoga nidra (YN) induces deep relaxation with awareness, but its neural basis is unclear.
- Understanding YN's neural mechanisms is crucial for its clinical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate neural differences between YN and resting states using fMRI.
- Compare experienced meditators and novices during YN practice.
Main Methods:
- fMRI scans of meditators (n=30) and controls (n=31) during YN and resting states.
- General Linear Model (GLM) analysis for auditory cue responses.
- Default Mode Network (DMN) seed-based functional connectivity (FC) analysis.
Main Results:
- Meditators showed reduced DMN-FC during YN compared to controls.
- Controls exhibited increased DMN-FC during YN, unlike meditators.
- Reduced DMN connectivity in YN correlated with cumulative meditation/yoga hours.
Conclusions:
- YN induces distinct DMN decoupling in meditators, supporting restful awareness.
- Neural modulation of DMN during YN is linked to meditation experience.
- Findings advance understanding of YN's neuroscience, psychology, and yogic implications.
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