A few thousand years! Some clarification:
Initially, Dr Andrew Huberman coined the phrase “non-sleep deep rest” (NSDR) as a user-friendly term for the ancient practice of Yoga Nidra. After learning about the power of Yoga Nidra, he wanted to bring it to a wider audience, but realised some people may be turned off by the spiritual connotations of its name.
Since acronyms are so popular, along with offering simple free instructions on apps, Huberman’s re-packaging of this exquisite, simple and effective ancient practice means that many more people will reap the huge benefits of this technique.
Yoga Nidra, aka yogic sleep or psychic sleep, is practiced lying supine, listening to a script which guides us into a deeply relaxed state of consciousness. In this state, the activity of the brain is similar to sleep, although we remain awake and aware.
Huberman has now expanded the definition of NSDR to become an umbrella term for multiple types of deep relaxation. Now Huberman defines Yoga Nidra as one type of NSDR, alongside other practices, like hypnosis and types of meditation. It’s important to clarify here that authentic Yoga Nidra is not hypnosis.
“NSDR may slow the brain’s electrical waves, inducing a state of relaxation with measurable benefits. Some of the slowing noted in NSDR overlaps with what would be recognized as sleep, including a lack of responsiveness to the environment.” Dr. Brandon Peters Sleep Expert
Potential Benefits of NSDR
Research has centered on yoga nidra rather than NSDR, as it is an ancient, proven practice, with many benefits, whereas NSDR has only been developed since 2022.
- Improved sleep and overall well-being
- Reduced stress, anger, anxiety, and depression
- Lower blood pressure
- Increased immune function and reduced inflammation
- Less tension headaches and pain.
Whatever term you use, any good relaxation script practiced daily will change your life in subtle, yet magical, ways.
Stunning photo credit: Teodor Drobota Unsplash