FAQ

Yoga nidrā may support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being by guiding you into a deeply restorative state of relaxation. It is often associated with reduced stress and anxiety, a soothed nervous system, and improved sleep quality. Reported benefits include enhanced mental clarity, emotional healing, increased self-awareness, and support for immune function. Many also experience relief from pain, increased energy, and a greater sense of vitality. Some find that yoga nidrā sparks creativity and helps with integrating or processing new information.

While yoga nidrā is similar to guided meditation, a key difference is that it requires no effort. In yoga nidrā, you lie down comfortably, fully supported, and simply receive the practice. Meditation, on the other hand, often involves sitting upright and maintaining a point of focus. In nidrā, there is nothing you need to do — just rest and allow the process to unfold.

Yoga nidrā differs from other relaxation techniques by guiding you into a conscious state of deep rest, where the body relaxes fully while the mind stays aware. Unlike passive relaxation methods, yoga nidrā engages the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting deeper healing and stress relief, often bringing you to a level of rest similar to sleep but with awareness.

Yoga nidrā is not hypnosis, but it is certainly hypnotic. There are many parallels between yoga nidrā and clinical hypnotherapy in terms of structure, effects, and applications. Like hypnosis, yoga nidrā can guide you into deep trance states, creating space for profound transformation and healing.

No, yoga nidrā cannot replace sleep. However, it is a powerful complement, promoting deep relaxation and recovery. While it can help improve sleep quality, it does not eliminate the need for a full night’s rest.

The nervous system controls everything in your body — movement, balance, organ function, and thought processes — by transmitting signals between the brain and body. Its primary role is to maintain homeostasis, keeping everything stable and in balance.

The autonomic nervous system has two main branches:

• The sympathetic nervous system triggers the fight-or-flight response, releasing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. If activated too often, this can lead to chronic stress, contributing to issues like high blood pressure, anxiety, and digestive disorders.

• The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for rest, digestion, and recovery, counteracting stress and promoting deep relaxation.

Yoga nidrā is an effective way to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping the body shift from stress to restoration.

Sankalpa is a form of intention or heartfelt resolution that may be included in a yoga nidrā practice. It is traditionally stated at the beginning and end of a session, creating space for intuition and inner guidance to arise. While entirely optional, engaging with a Sankalpa can be a powerful way to connect with yourself and align with your deeper purpose.

Yoga nidrā can help by promoting deep relaxation and activating the body's natural healing mechanisms. The practice encourages the release of tension and stress, which can contribute to pain. Additionally, it helps calm the nervous system, reducing pain perception, and improving overall physical well-being.

While it may not replace medical treatment, yoga nidrā can be a valuable complementary practice for managing pain and enhancing recovery.

NIDRISTA founder, Johanna Andersson, is a certified Total Yoga Nidrā teacher through the Yoga Nidra Network, which is not tied to any specific yoga nidrā tradition or lineage but informed by extensive research and decades of practice. Johanna’s approach is primarily based on the teachings of Uma Dinsmore-Tuli and Nirlipta Tuli of the Yoga Nidra Network, but also draws inspiration from other yogic and hypnotic practices.

NIDRISTA offers nurturing nidrās with a poetic and intuitive undertone. Our sessions are simple, effective, and accessible, covering a wide range of themes and intentions. We prioritise invitational, non-authoritative language and a trauma-sensitive, inclusive approach — ensuring you feel safe, supported, and empowered throughout every practice.

Our nidras usually range from 15 to 30 minutes.

Not all of our nidrās include visualisation journeys — and when they do, we clearly let you know what to expect. Our visualisations are crafted to be poetic, soothing, grounding, and gently inspirational. That said, we’re mindful that certain images (like water or fire) may be sensitive or triggering for some.

We never include intentionally unsettling or fear-based imagery, as found in some yoga nidrā traditions. Your sense of emotional safety and ease is always our priority.

Not at all! Yoga nidrā is for everyone — no prior experience required.

Yes! Several times a day if you like. Regular practice helps deepen the benefits, like stress reduction, improved sleep, and enhanced well-being.

It’s simple: lie down, get comfortable, and listen. In fact, you don’t even need to actively listen — just knowing there’s a guiding voice is enough.

No props are required, but comfort is key. Some prefer to lie flat on the floor, while others like to use a yoga mat or rug, a blanket for warmth, a pillow or folded blanket under the head, and a bolster under the knees. Cozy socks help (who can relax with cold feet?), and an eye pillow or mask can block out light for deeper relaxation.

No. While yoga nidrā is traditionally practiced lying on your back with palms facing up, you can choose any position that feels comfortable — on your side, belly, semi-reclined with bolsters, seated, or even standing. The key is to find a posture that allows you to fully relax.

Absolutely — especially if your intention is to fall asleep. But if your goal is deep rest without dozing off, it’s better to practice somewhere else, as your bed naturally signals to your body that it’s time to sleep. The magic of yoga nidrā happens in the space between sleep and wakefulness.

Yes! Many find that doing gentle movement (like yoga or pilates) beforehand helps release physical tension, grounding the body and mind. Other forms of movement, such as walking or light stretching, can also be beneficial.

Another great way to prepare is by practicing gradual muscle relaxation — tense and release — helping to ease into a state of calm. Creating a peaceful environment for your practice can also enhance the experience.

This largely depends on your personal schedule, goals, and preferences. Many people find it most effective either in the morning, afternoon, or before bed:

• Morning: Practicing yoga nidrā in the morning can help set a calm, focused tone for the day ahead, reduce stress, and improve mental clarity.

• Afternoon: You can also practice during the afternoon to recharge and reset, especially if you are feeling tired or mentally drained. A much healthier alternative to coffee.

• Before bed: If you struggle with sleep, practicing yoga nidrā before bedtime can help relax the mind and body, promoting deeper, more restful sleep.

• In the night: Nidrā is also a useful tool if you wake up in the middle of the night and need help getting back to sleep.

Each person’s experience with yoga nidrā is unique, but many report that being in this state — between sleep and wakefulness — feels like the body is deeply relaxed, while the mind remains calm yet alert. Consciousness stays awake, allowing you to still hear the guidance and experience the practice, even as you enter a trance-like state. It may take time and practice to fully access this state, but the benefits begin to unfold even before that.

There’s no wrong way to do yoga nidrā, because there’s nothing to do. If you fall asleep, it’s likely a sign that your body needs rest. Trust that you’re still receiving the benefits of the practice, and if possible, try to get some extra sleep into your daily routine.

The goal isn’t to stop thinking. Thoughts will come and go, that’s natural. Instead of resisting them, simply notice their presence, acknowledge them with curiosity (“Ah, there you are again…”), and let them drift by like clouds in the sky.

That’s completely normal! It can take time to relax deeply, especially if you’re new to yoga nidrā. Just being present with the practice is valuable. Over time, your body and mind will learn to settle. Be patient and trust the process.

Yes, this can happen. Coming out of deep rest may leave you feeling groggy or disoriented, but this usually fades within a few minutes. To gently reawaken your senses, try engaging them: inhale an invigorating scent (like peppermint essential oil), listen to soothing or uplifting sounds, taste something sweet (like fruit or chocolate), massage your ears, scalp, or feet, or step outside for fresh air and natural light.

If you feel groggy after practicing, take your time before resuming daily activities. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you feel fully alert.

Yes, it's not uncommon. When the body enters a deep state of rest or a trance-like state, the nervous system softens and the subconscious may feel safe enough to release stored or repressed emotions. This kind of emotional release — sometimes called an abreaction — can be profoundly healing, though it may also feel intense or unexpected. If you find the experience overwhelming or difficult to integrate, consider speaking with a friend or trusted mental health professional for support.

Yes! And we truly hope you do. Yoga nidrā is a beautiful way to prepare for birth and a powerful companion during the sleep-deprived early years of parenthood.

If you’re 30 or more weeks pregnant, it’s best to rest on your left side with pillows and bolsters supporting your top knee, arm, and head, or in a half-reclined, throne-like position with props. Most importantly, listen to your body and baby. Comfort is key.

We recommend consulting your healthcare provider before participating in any NIDRISTA services during pregnancy.

While yoga nidrā is deeply nourishing on its own, we believe that the gentle power of touch enhances the experience, helping the body reach an even deeper level of rest and well-being.

The energy healing facilitated by NIDRISTA founder Johanna Andersson is informed by Reiki but flows intuitively. By channeling healing life energy (ki, chi, prāna) through gentle hand placements above or onto the body’s main energy centers (cakras), the body naturally responds by releasing oxytocin — the "love," "cuddle," or "feel-good" hormone. This can help lower blood pressure, relieve stress and anxiety, and promote relaxation and emotional well-being.

Fun fact: Oxytocin also plays a key role in childbirth, mother-baby bonding, and breastfeeding.