NON-sleep deep rest, or NSDR, is a method of deep hypnotic relaxation, which can help people achieve states of focus and calm through mental stillness and emotional balance. It is a type of rest obtained when the body is in a relaxed state, but the mind is still awake.
It consists of slowing down the functioning of brain waves, as is the case during sleep, except that here you remain awake. Achieving it involves two stages; a state of self-induced rest, followed by a period of directed, intense focus.
The term NSDR was coined by renowned Stanford University neuroscientist and researcher, Dr Andrew Huberman. According to him, this practice can bring the body to a state as restful as normal sleep. NSDR is similar to yoga nidra, in that it uses specific breathing and meditation techniques to activate deep relaxation of the body and mind.
It can be ideal for those who have difficulty getting into traditional meditation. Scientific studies on NSDR have shown that this method can improve concentration, facilitate learning and help people relax deeply. It can also relieve anxiety and worry, and significantly reduce stress symptoms.
Huberman notes in a conference that 20-minute NSDR sessions can help the brain learn faster and increase the retention time of information.
These techniques were not specifically elaborated to promote sleep, but rather to help the body and mind enter an in-between state that occurs just before falling asleep. It is about focusing attention on rest, rather than sleep.
The advantage of this relaxation technique is that it is simple to practice on a daily basis. It involves lying down, closing your eyes and relaxing, without reaching the sleep state, and focusing on your breathing.
NSDR can be used as a type of meditation for sleep, depending on how it is practiced. It can be useful in the afternoon, for example, a crucial time to recharge batteries and rest the mind before tackling the rest of our daily tasks.
However, in the evening it can be a means to gently slip into a restful state, which can help you fall asleep. – ETX Daily Up, February 20, 2023
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