Using Yoga Nidra to combat night terrors

Western doctors are now investigating a practice called Yoga Nidra, which means "yoga dream." This tantric method is a totally natural and holistic way to achieve uninterrupted, relaxed and healthy sleep each night. It can even be a successful treatment for those who experience night terrors and other serious sleep disorders.

Night terrors is the name of a serious sleep disturbance. Families of those who experience night terrors are often scared and confused. During an episode, a person is fast asleep at one point and then suddenly stands in the middle of the bed screaming or thrashing.

During night terrors, a person may bulge around the room, sweat, and wheeze. They may cry uncontrollably, scream in fear, or run around the house. However, they lie fast asleep throughout the episode, unaware of the commotion they cause.

Night terrors only happen to a small number of children and even fewer adults. Although children usually outgrow night terrors, sometimes the problem continues into adulthood.

An ancient method could combat sleep disorders

This tantric method of promoting restful sleep is translated from Sanskrit as yogic sleep. It is a highly developed system to promote deep relaxation of the whole body.

The relaxation technique involves 20 to 45 minutes of guided mental imagery by an experienced instructor. Eventually, the subject reaches a deep meditative state. The yoga community believes that this state will release negative emotions and thought patterns, calm the nervous system, and lead to sleep.

The practice may also work for the following conditions which may include sleep disorders.

insomnia

Depression

Anxiety

chronic bread

chemical dependency

post traumatic stress disorder

Why this system may work for sleep disorders

Guided exercises focus a person’s awareness on their entire body, following a special sequential order. This prescribed order follows a deliberate path that allows for the greatest relaxation. Those who use the yogic system find that nightly practice helps them reach this state of relaxation more easily.

Some tantric masters reach an altered state of sleep called waking sleep. A deep trance is necessary to reach the waking dream state. While in trance, the yogic master sleeps soundly while remaining perfectly aware of his immediate surroundings. Legends say that one hour of waking sleep is equivalent to several hours of normal sleep.

Trying the practice of yoga could help anyone

There are no obvious safety risks as a result of using this yogic sleep method. The sessions are drug-free, eliminating the chances of dangerous interactions or dependencies. Even children can safely use this system.

Those who experience night terrors or other sleep disorders may want to give it a quick trial, using this system for a few months. Local yoga studios may have experienced instructors who use the system’s guided imagery techniques. If there are no local classes, several instructors have recorded sessions for online use. CDs or digital recordings of a favorite guide can be used each night at the bedside.

The Yoga Nidra practice is easy and safe for anyone from a preschooler to a centenarian. Who knows? It could work! This method of deep relaxation is definitely worth trying to get enough restful sleep every night.

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