The Consciousness State of Traditional Nidrâ Yoga/Modern Yoga Nidra: Phenomenological Characterization and Preliminary Insights from an EEG Study.
International journal of yoga therapy January 1, 2021 Andrea Zaccaro, André Riehl, Andrea Piarulli et al. 13 citations
Yoga nidra, an ancient meditative practice, induces an altered state of consciousness distinct from sleep. In a preliminary study, six healthy volunteers completed 12 guided sessions during a retreat. EEG recordings showed no sleep markers (K-complexes or spindles) during practice. Compared to a resting baseline, participants reported increased dissociative effects, altered body image, reduced rational thinking, and less volitional thought control. One subject's EEG analysis revealed early increases in alpha, beta, and theta power followed by reductions, with gamma power rising in later stages. These findings suggest yoga nidra produces a unique psychophysiological state, though larger studies are needed.