The Effects of Yoga Nidra on the Nervous System and Sleep

Category

Health and Environmental Sciences

Description of research project

This study is being conducted by PhD candidate and lead researcher Nisha Suresh. Other research team members include Dr Christian Thoma, Dr Mangor Pedersen, Dr Daniel Shepherd and Dr Imran Niazi. The study is being carried out as a requirement for PhD.

This research is about understanding how Yoga Nidra, a form of guided relaxation, affects sleep in people who have mild-to-moderate sleep problems. We also aim to explore how Yoga Nidra affects the nervous system, mental wellness/taha hinengaro. By doing so, we aim to determine if Yoga Nidra may be beneficial. We plan to include around 36 adults with mild-to-moderate sleep problems. This study is an intervention study which takes 4 weeks to complete.

This study is part of a PhD project at Auckland University of Technology (AUT). Your participation will contribute to improving knowledge about Yoga Nidra and its impact on sleep and mental health. The results of this research will be shared through academic publications, presentations, and talks/hui to help others understand the results.

Inclusion and/or exclusion criteria

To participate in the study, you must:
> Be between 18 and 60 years old.
> Experience mild-to-moderate sleep disturbances, such as difficulty falling asleep, trouble getting back to sleep after waking, waking up early despite sufficient time to sleep, and/or sleeping the recommended amount of time but waking up unrefreshed.

You cannot participate if you:
> Have been diagnosed with any long-term conditions such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic diseases (including diabetes), sleep apnea or other sleep disorders, respiratory condition other than well managed asthma.
> Have been diagnosed with a mental illness such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia by a medical professional.
> Smoke tobacco or marijuana regularly.
> Frequently consume alcohol daily
> Are currently a regular practitioner of Yoga Nidra or other mind-body practices (e.g., mindfulness, meditation, Tai Chi) regularly.
> Are currently using medications to aid sleep or treat a chronic condition.

Statement of ethics approval

Approved by the Auckland University of Technology Ethics Committee on 2025-09-21 for 3 years.

AUTEC approval number

25/212

Contact person

NISHA SURESH, nwy4795@autuni.ac.nz

Participant information sheet