Meditation Asana · Beginner (Level 1) · Catalog #800192

Yogic Sleep Yoga Nidra

A guided rotation of awareness through the body while lying completely still. Deeply restorative and the most accessible entry to formal meditation.

Practice Yogic Sleep (Yoga Nidra) with Illustrated Cues & Breath Timer Open this posture in Ayurveda & Asana Yoga on iPhone & iPad to build custom dosha sequences and track MET energy burn.
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Yogic Sleep (Yoga Nidra) — Meditation Yoga Posture Illustration

Yogic Sleep (Yoga Nidra) — Meditation posture targeting Full Body · Natural breath · Eyes closed drishti.

Vāta: Strongly Pacifies (-2) Pitta: Pacifies (-1) Kapha: Neutral (0)
Sanskrit Name
Yoga Nidra
Posture Family
Meditation
Difficulty
Beginner (Level 1)
Recommended Hold
1800 seconds
Breath Pattern
Natural
Drishti (Gaze)
Eyes closed
Target Muscles
Full Body
Energy Expenditure
1.0 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for Yogic Sleep

Yogic Sleep (Yoga Nidra) belongs to the Meditation posture family and engages the Full Body at an intensity of approximately 1.0 METs. A guided rotation of awareness through the body while lying completely still. Deeply restorative and the most accessible entry to formal meditation.

  • Breath Rhythm: Maintain Natural throughout the 1800-second hold so nervous system tone remains steady.
  • Visual Focal Point (Drishti): Direct the gaze toward Eyes closed to quiet peripheral distraction and stabilize balance.
  • Primary Anatomical Focus: Concentrates mechanical load and mobility across Full Body.
  • Minimum Recommended Age: 3 years (36 months).

Ayurvedic Dosha Profile (Vāta, Pitta & Kapha)

In Ayurvedic asana sequencing (Dosha Provenance: modern-synthesis), every posture shifts Vata, Pitta, and Kapha according to its mechanical compression, heat generation, and grounding stability:

  • Vāta Effect: Strongly Pacifies (-2) — pair with slow nasal breathing and unhurried transitions to prevent excess mobility or dryness.
  • Pitta Effect: Pacifies (-1) — keep the jaw, temples, and abdomen soft when holding for 1800 seconds.
  • Kapha Effect: Neutral (0) — link into dynamic flows or longer holds when seeking metabolic stimulation.

Contraindications & Safety Precautions

No specific classical contraindications recorded for healthy adults; always practice within pain-free range of motion.

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