Yoga Nidra is a powerful tool. It is a guided meditation that helps your brainwaves change from Beta (alert/working state) to more relaxed states, Alpha, Theta, or Delta.
According to Scientific American, “Beta waves are characteristics of a strongly engaged mind.” Owlcation states, “Beta waves are the ‘normal’ state of brain waves.”
When we wake up in the middle of the night, sometimes our brains jump into the Beta state, making it difficult to fall back asleep.
When I first experienced Yoga Nidra, I was amazed by how quickly it led my brain to Alpha, Theta, or Delta states. Here is a short list showing characteristics of each of these states:
- Alpha – relaxed, calm, lucid, not thinking
- Theta – deep relaxation, meditation, imagery
- Delta – deep, dreamless sleep
Owlcation has a beautiful chart showing these brainwaves.
Yoga Nidra was effective for me even from the beginning. The first practice I tried was a recorded meditation by Rod Stryker, which was almost 30 minutes long. I felt like I had traveled through time. The practice only felt like 5 minutes had passed. I was hooked.
Practicing Yoga Nidra has made such a difference in my life that I have chosen to dedicate my time to learning more about it and to share Yoga Nidra with others.
Namaste,
Diana
Grace Yoga 