Yoga Nidra is sometimes referred to as ‘yogic sleep’ as it is a very deep and powerful form of meditation which leaves the practitioner feeling deeply relaxed and rested. Practicing Yoga Nidra regularly can be very useful in reducing anxiety and depression, improving sleep and supporting all round good mental and physical health.

Compared to other forms of meditation, Yoga Nidra takes a slightly more structured approach to helping practitioners achieve deeper and deeper levels of relaxation so brain waves change from the usual beta waves to the more relaxed alpha waves where serotonin is released and then into the theta state which is essentially REM sleep. Entering this state allows your mind to release stress and this is where all the creative super learning happens. From here, the Yoga Nidra guides you into the even deeper delta wave state which is a very restorative state and allows the stress hormone cortisol to be removed from your system.

It achieves these brain waves states by taking you through different types of meditation starting with breathing, then body awareness leading on to relaxing visualisations. You will feel yourself becoming more and more relaxed with a calmer and calmer mind until you reach the theta wave stage when you might experience that dream like sensation of random thoughts, imagery and colours popping up in your mind.  If you manage to reach the delta stage, not everyone does at the start, your mind should be completely clear and your body totally relaxed.

When you practice Yoga Nidra at The Float Spa, you will lie flat, or as close to flat as you find comfortable, on a yoga mat in our studio while our instructor speaks to guide you through these stages of relaxation. At the end of the session, you should feel deeply relaxed and rejuvenated. You may feel slightly woozy initially but this should pass quickly to allow you to go about the rest of your day feeling alert and happy.

Click here to see when Yoga Nidra classes are on.