Yoga Nidra’s Benefits Confirmed: Brain scans by scientists reveal how it relaxes the mind while awake

Indian researchers have, for the first time, utilized functional MRI (fMRI) to understand how Yoga Nidra, a practice known for improving mental well-being, affects the brain. The study, conducted by IIT Delhi, AIIMS Delhi, and Mahajan Imaging, was published in the international journal Scientific Reports. The research focused on experienced meditators and revealed a distinct neural mechanism that allows practitioners to remain restful yet aware, a TOI report stated.

Understanding the Brain’s Default Mode Network

The human brain has a Default Mode Network (DMN), which is a collection of interconnected regions active when the mind is at rest. This "background mode" of the brain is typically engaged when individuals daydream or let their thoughts wander. According to the researchers, the study found that the DMN behaves differently in experienced Yoga Nidra practitioners, showing reduced connectivity compared to novices. This unique activity pattern promotes deep relaxation while maintaining awareness.

Key Findings on Brain Activity During Yoga Nidra

The MRI scans showed that when meditators followed guided Yoga Nidra instructions, brain regions associated with language processing and movement became active, as expected. However, a notable finding was the activation of areas involved in emotion processing and the Thalamus, which plays a role in sleep regulation.


Professor Rahul Garg of IIT Delhi, a co-principal investigator in the study, explained the significance of these findings, stating, "According to Yogic texts, Yoga Nidra helps bring the 'samskaras' buried in deep subconscious minds to the surface and eventually helps release them, thereby promoting health."

First-time Insights into Yoga Nidra’s Benefits

Dr. Harsh Mahajan, Chairman of Mahajan Imaging & Labs, highlighted the breakthrough nature of this research, saying, "This study has, for the first time, used functional MRI to prove the beneficial effect of yoga nidra, an ancient yogic practice. It suggests a unique neural mechanism in experienced meditators during yoga nidra which results in being restful yet aware."

These findings may help explain why Yoga Nidra has been found effective in controlling anxiety, offering scientific backing to this ancient practice's mental health benefits.