Yoga Nidra as a Non-Pharmacological Intervention for Improving Mood
Jaime L. Tartar, Bharath Kumar Reddy Burri, Shravya Konatam, Janel Lynn Norton, Annie Okerlin, Ariana Intsiful, Jonathan B. Banks
Research in Therapeutic Sciences January 28, 2025 DOI: 10.53520/rts2025.105138 (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA 30-minute Yoga Nidra session improved mood—heightened vigor, reduced confusion, and reduced fatigue—when participants remained engaged, as indicated by increased alpha and high beta brainwave activity. Deeper sleep stages (theta and delta activity) correlated with poorer mood outcomes, including increased tension and confusion. Longer sleep durations during the session were inversely related to alpha wave power and positively related to high beta wave power. The findings suggest that Yoga Nidra's psychological benefits depend on active participation rather than transitioning into sleep, highlighting its potential as a non-pharmacological intervention for short-term mood improvement.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Observational study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 21 |
| Population | Adults (6 males) who underwent a Yoga Nidra session |
| Intervention | Yoga Nidra |
| Dose | 30-minute session |
| Duration | 30-minute session |
| Keywords | Mood Intervention counseling Sleep system call Relaxation psychology Session web analytics |
| Key finding | Engagement during Yoga Nidra, characterized by increased alpha and high beta brainwave activity, was associated with improved mood, while deeper sleep stages correlated with poorer mood outcomes. |
Abstract
Introduction: Yoga Nidra has gained recognition as an effective intervention for stress and anxiety. This study investigated the therapeutic (psychological and physiological) effects of Yoga Nidra, focusing on its impact on mood and engagement. Methods: Twenty-one participants (N=21, 6 males) underwent a 30-minute Yoga Nidra session while wearing EEG headbands and wristbands to monitor brainwave activity, heart rate variability, and electrodermal activity. Mood changes were assessed using the Profile of Mood States (POMS). Results: The results revealed that engagement during the practice, characterized by increased alpha and high beta brainwave activity, was associated with improved mood, including heightened vigor, reduced confusion, and reduced fatigue. Conversely, deeper sleep stages, indicated by theta and delta activity, correlated with poorer mood outcomes, such as increased tension and confusion. Additionally, longer sleep durations during the session were inversely related to alpha wave power and positively related to high beta wave power, highlighting the nuanced interplay between relaxation and engagement. Conclusions: Combined, these findings suggest that Yoga Nidra's psychological benefits are optimized through active participation rather than transitioning into sleep states. The study underscores Yoga Nidra's potential as a non-pharmacological therapeutic intervention for improving short-term mood states.