The Power of Deep Rest: Why Yoga Nidra Is the Reset You Didn’t Know You Needed
When life feels full, it’s easy to believe that the only way to “fix” exhaustion is to power through with more caffeine, more productivity hacks, or a strict workout plan. But sometimes, the body and mind don’t need more doing — they need deep, nourishing rest. This is where Yoga Nidra, often called “yogic sleep,” can be truly transformative.
Unlike traditional sleep, Yoga Nidra is a guided practice that takes you into a state of profound relaxation while keeping a thread of awareness. It’s a space where body and mind can let go of tension, while your nervous system gently resets. Just 30 minutes of Yoga Nidra can feel as restorative as a couple of hours of regular sleep, leaving you calmer, clearer, and more balanced.
What is Yoga Nidra?
Yoga Nidra is a form of guided meditation practised lying down, usually in savasana (relaxation pose). The teacher leads you through different stages — such as body scanning, breath awareness, and visualisation — helping the brain shift into slower wave patterns similar to those experienced during deep sleep.
The beauty of Yoga Nidra is that there is no effort required. You don’t need to “achieve” anything or hold postures. You simply lie down, close your eyes, and allow yourself to be guided. For beginners, this makes it one of the most accessible forms of yoga and meditation.
The Benefits of Deep Rest
The benefits of Yoga Nidra reach far beyond simply “feeling relaxed.” Here are some of the powerful ways it can support your wellbeing:
Stress relief: By calming the nervous system, Yoga Nidra reduces cortisol levels and helps bring you out of fight-or-flight mode.
Better sleep: Regular practice can improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia.
Emotional balance: It creates space to process feelings and release stored tension.
Improved focus: After a session, many people feel clearer and more energised.
Physical restoration: Muscles soften, the heart rate lowers, and the body has a chance to heal.
Many people describe the practice as a “reset button” — a way to clear away the fog of stress and return to themselves with a greater sense of ease.
Why Rest Feels So Radical
In a culture that often glorifies busyness, deliberately choosing rest can feel counterintuitive, even indulgent. Yet rest is not laziness — it’s essential for our mental, physical, and emotional health. Yoga Nidra offers us permission to pause.
It reminds us that slowing down does not mean falling behind. Instead, it creates the foundation from which we can move forward with more clarity and strength.
How to Practise Yoga Nidra
If you’re curious about trying Yoga Nidra, here are a few simple steps to get started:
Find a quiet space where you can lie down comfortably without being disturbed.
Use props such as a blanket, pillow, or eye cushion to fully support your body. Comfort is key.
Follow a guided practice — either in a class setting or using a recording. Having someone guide you through the stages makes it easy to relax.
Let go of expectations. You don’t need to fall asleep or reach any particular state. Simply notice what arises.
Practise regularly — even 20 minutes once a week can make a difference.
At Sussex Yoga, I’ll be introducing Yoga Nidra in a special Deep Rest class this October, combining gentle stretches, mindful breathing, and a 30–40 minute Yoga Nidra practice. It’s perfect if you’ve been curious about this powerful form of rest but haven’t known where to start.
Making Rest Part of Your Routine
Deep rest doesn’t have to wait for a class. You can build in restorative moments every day. Here are a few ideas:
Five minutes of stillness before bed — lying down with your hand on your belly, simply noticing your breath.
Mini body scans during the day — pausing to notice tension in your shoulders, jaw, or back and gently softening those areas.
Short guided practices — many free Yoga Nidra recordings are available online if you’d like to try them between classes.
Prioritising downtime — blocking out space in your week that isn’t for work, chores, or screens, but purely for rest.
The Reset You Didn’t Know You Needed
We often underestimate the power of rest, especially when we feel pulled in many directions. Yoga Nidra reminds us that we don’t always have to push harder to feel better. Sometimes the most effective path to renewal is to surrender, lie down, and let the body and mind do what they know best: restore themselves.
As the seasons begin to shift and routines settle, now is a wonderful time to explore this practice. Whether you join me in the Deep Rest: Gentle Yoga & Yoga Nidra class or simply carve out a few minutes at home, I invite you to experience the quiet strength that comes from deep rest.
Namaste, Angela at Sussex Yoga
