Swiroset.com

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

Night terrors is the name for a serious sleep disturbance. The families of those who experience night terrors are often scared and confused. During an episode, a person falls asleep soundly for a moment and then suddenly stands in the middle of the bed screaming or flailing.

During night terrors, a person may gaze around the room, sweating and gasping for air. They may cry uncontrollably, scream in fear, or run around the house. However, they remain sound asleep during the episode, unaware of the commotion they cause.

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

An ancient method can 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 throughout the body.

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

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

Insomnia

Depression

Anxiety

Chronic pain

Chemical dependency

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Why this system can work for sleep disorders

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

Some tantric masters achieve an altered state of sleep called waking sleep. A deep trance is necessary to reach the waking dream state. While in a trance, the yogic master sleeps soundly and at the same time remains perfectly aware of the immediate surroundings. Legends say that one hour of waking sleep equals several hours of normal sleep.

Trying 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 use this system safely.

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

Yoga Nidra practice is easy and safe for anyone from a preschooler to a 100 year old. Who knows? It could work! This deep relaxation method is definitely worth a try to get enough sleep each night.