What is sleep, how do we achieve a sound state of sleep?

T Krishnamacharya has said that, “Nidrā, or deep sleep, is the state in which the mind’s link with the external stimuli is cut off. In this state, the mind has no link with anything external; this does not exclude all links, which is why we are often able to recall whether our sleep was sound or disturbed.”

Millions of people suffer from the difficulty of sleeping or sleeping sufficiently. This difficulty arises from a variety of factors including stress, health, hormonal changes, disturbed state of mind, poor dietary habits, etc. Many of them resort to sleep medication to enable them to achieve a restful sleep. One of the greatest enablers of deep sleep is Dhyana. Dhyana, often compared to meditation, has a more expansive definition. The mind in dhyana is focused toward its resting place, its origin, and that is said to be the centre of the being.

At Ananta Yoga, we teach dhyana where there is an object of focus – usually a deity or concept of the practitioner’s choice. In addition, there is japa (repetition of a sacred formula) and prarthana (intense dedication). Together, they form a powerful combination to calm and quiet the mind – the person is in a state of total awareness throughout. By doing this practice diligently, we have been able to see results within 45-90 days where students have been able to achieve restful sleep daily, immaterial of their age or prior medical condition. Studies have also repeatedly shown that the practitioners are able to manage symptoms of anxiety effectively.

Dhyana helps reduce the hormones associated with stress and increases those hormones that promote a restful sleep. The mind is totally peaceful, and the unnecessary thoughts that disturb us are slowly eradicated as a result of the practice. This results in an overall state where the mind is calm which then reduces any disturbances that impedes a good night’s sleep. The practitioner is thus able to feel energised and positive throughout the next day and accomplish their responsibilities in the best manner possible.

Taking a step further into the nurturing realms of Yoga Nidrā, Ananta Yoga invites practitioners to delve into a serene voyage that enlightens the spirit from within. The deep experience of yoga nidrā, also known as yogic sleep, transcends the physicality of sleep and reveals a state in which the body sleeps while the mind continues to be awake in a state of peaceful consciousness.

In Yoga Nidrā, an instructor gently guides your consciousness through your body, helping it to surrender layer by layer into a sublime calmness. This technique transcends Dhyana, entering a state where the body slips into profound peace, reviving even while the consciousness lingers. Drawing from ancient yogic wisdom and techniques, practitioners at Ananta Yoga learn to draw their awareness into a realm where physical realities vanish, creating a state that is both relaxing and spiritually enlightening.

This planned seclusion from the outside world allows practitioners to interact with their inner selves, promoting a comprehensive rejuvenation that is physical, mental, and spiritual. Relaxation goes beyond the physical, addressing the subtler levels of being, including the emotional, mental, and spiritual. Instead of focusing solely on treating symptoms, the technique offers a holistic strategy designed to build a solid foundation of internal balance and harmony. 

Yoga Nidrā offers significant and transformative experiences and results that not only promote better sleep and less anxiety but also a deeper awareness of oneself. It enables the formation of an inner calmness that permeates all facets of life through a delicate but profound dialogue with the subconscious.

Adopting Yoga Nidrā as a component of one’s holistic wellness routine creates an environment where spiritual renewal and physical rest can coexist in perfect harmony. Ananta Yoga strives to raise all practitioners’ health journeys by providing them with expert instruction and consistent practice, leading them to that state of harmony.