I walked into Melissa’s studio feeling restless and exhausted. My brain would take no more information, I was in sleep deficit, desperate for answers. My doctor only offered sleeping tablets and I was sick of reading about smug sounding people who have mastered sleep the art of sleep (is it realistic to stop scrolling 2 hours before bed?).
If you can’t remember the last time you woke up naturally before your alarm feeling refreshed then I invite you to come on a journey with me as I take you inside the world of Yoga Nidra, an ancient practice often described as “yogic sleep.” It’s a simple, guided meditation that allows the body to deeply rest while the mind remains aware. Research shows that just twenty minutes of Yoga Nidra can offer the restorative benefits of two hours of deep sleep without the need for pills, supplements or complicated routines.
Yoga teacher and Kinesiologist Melissa Kitchen, explains how the practice works and why it’s becoming increasingly popular for those struggling with stress and sleepless nights. Initially I scoffed at the name, imagining twists and complicated (read unflattering) poses in front of a studio (mirrors! gah!) of lean pony-tailed, Lulu lemon yoginis. But no, this was far better than I had imagined – lying down, stillness, surrender. For thirty minutes, I was awake but dreaming, my brain repairing and ‘pruning’, consciously navigating my subconscious.
Tune in to the SLEEP/NIGHTIME episode of AFTRS FM to learn how a twenty-minute practice could transform your nights and your days.
Check out the full story via the Podcast.
You can also access Melissa’s guided Yoga Nidra here:
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