Yoga Nidra: The Key to Better Sleep?

According to Ananda’s head of yoga, Kirit Thacker, one session of the ancient practice of Yoga Nidra, which means, “psychic sleep,” is equivalent to many hours of shut-eye. Essentially, you are talked down to the moment when your body is still enough to sleep, but your mind is still conscious. The goal is to “quiet the agitations of the conscious mind and awaken the immense healing potential of the subconscious.” It is deeply relaxing, and as you become more masterful, you’re better able to conjure the sensations requested (hot and cold, feelings of lightness and heaviness). In the recording below, Kirit leads a Yoga Nidra meditation, which can be done anytime, though it’s particularly great in the evening before bed.