Integrative Restoration (iRest) Yoga Nidra is a guided meditation that helps stress and sleep.  Its process calms the senses and the thinking mind so that you experience the part of yourself that is always at peace.  Yoga nidra roughly translated means ‘yogic sleep’ or ‘awakened sleep’.  That means participants are in a state of awareness whereby the body is deeply relaxed while the mind is alert and active. 

Research of iRest has also shown that it can encourage deep relaxation, improve sleep, lessen anxiety or depression, manage chronic pain, reduce PTSD symptoms, and cultivate resiliency.

 

Lessen the Stress

Now in our 3rd year of the Covid pandemic even as things are improving stress is at an all time high. Its negative effects are showing up in our physical and mental health as well as in our personal and professional relationships.  The American Psychological Association reported that nearly half of parents say their stress continues to have increased since the pandemic compounded by economic, workplace, and societal stressors. 

Though life has begun to return to normal many folks are still juggling multiple roles amidst continued uncertainty and stressors.  Yet many have not been able to recover from fatigue or a lack of motivation.  If this is you – you are not alone. 

Practicing iRest even briefly can begin to refuel you emotionally, psychologically, physically, and professionally.  When I worked with veterans at the New Orleans VA Hospital they struggled with difficulties of anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, and managing life’s stressors.  Many found the iRest group I facilitated to be deeply relaxing, yet energizing, and they shared an improved ability to cope.  Healthcare and frontline workers during this pandemic have used iRest to support their impassioned work and decrease burnout.

 

Improve Sleep

A sufficient amount of quality sleep is crucial to physical and mental health.  Regretfully more than a third of Americans say they get on average less than seven hours a night.  According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine African Americans and Hispanics are less likely to get recommended amount or quality of sleep. 

Poor sleep influences concentration, mood, fatigue, and many health conditions like heart disease and diabetes.  Because relaxation is critical for ‘catching some sheep’, iRest meditation supports better sleep.  The more we’re relaxed the better we sleep.

 

Might iRest Work for You?

Check out our upcoming 6-Week iRest Yoga Nidra Meditation class where you’ll be able experience these benefits yourself!

 

Want to Learn More?

iRest Institute for how iRest was developed, current research, and additional meditation samples.

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) for how to cope with stress and resources that help.

American Academy of Sleep Medicine for healthy sleep education and additional resources for improving sleep.