💤Beginner

Yoga Nidra

Systematic guided relaxation — the art of conscious, restful awareness.

Swami Satyananda Saraswati (modern lineage)

1960s–1970s · Bihar, India

About Yoga Nidra

Yoga Nidra ('yogic sleep') is a systematic guided relaxation and meditation practice typically done lying down, aiming for deep rest with maintained awareness. It is one of the most accessible and evidence-supported yoga practices for stress, sleep, and anxiety, requiring no physical ability whatsoever.

✓ Deeply effective for stress, anxiety, and sleep support✓ Accessible to anyone regardless of age or physical ability✓ Can be practised in 20 minutes with profound restorative effect✓ Evidence-based clinical applications (iRest for PTSD, chronic pain)✓ Gateway to deep meditation without formal sitting practice

Yoga Wheel Scores

🤸Flexibility

1/5

Practised lying still — no flexibility demands whatsoever.

⚡Strength

1/5

No physical effort required — suitable for complete rest and recovery.

⚖️Balance

1/5

No balance demands — the practice is fully horizontal.

🌬️Breath

3/5

Breath awareness is a key anchor during the rotation of consciousness.

🧠Mind

5/5

Maintaining awareness at the edge of sleep is the ultimate mental training in Yoga Nidra.

History & Origins

Founder

Swami Satyananda Saraswati (modern lineage)

Period

1960s–1970s

Origin

Bihar, India

Modern Yoga Nidra lineages commonly connect to the Bihar/Satyananda tradition — particularly Swami Satyananda Saraswati's structured rotation of consciousness protocol. Contemporary clinical adaptations such as iRest (Integrative Restoration) have brought Yoga Nidra into therapeutic and military PTSD-rehabilitation contexts, generating a growing evidence base.