Promising to reduce stress and aid rest without sleep, NSDR offers a unique way to understand how our bodies respond to stimuli. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at what NSDR is, how it works, and why you should consider trying this revolutionary relaxation technique as part of your self-care routine.
What is the principle of NSDR?
NSDR, short for “Non-Deep Sleep Rest” is a relaxation technique designed to help people feel more relaxed, energized and rejuvenated. She combines traditional relaxation methods with visualization and guided imagery to create an overall calming effect. NSDR helps reduce stress hormones, lower blood pressure and improve cognitive performance. This technique is beneficial for those who have difficulty falling asleep, as it allows them to relax without entering a deep sleep cycle.
NSDR can be done anytime, day or night and usually lasts 5 minutes to an hour. During this practice, the person should focus on their breath, allowing thoughts to come and go without judgment. You should also use visualizations, such as imagining a peaceful place or imagining yourself feeling relaxed and full of energy in your body. As the practice continues, feelings of calm will begin to increase until the person reaches a state of complete relaxation. NSDR can have many benefits, including improved sleep quality, improved mental clarity, and an overall reduction in anxiety levels.
The NSDR from a scientific point of view.
Indeed, NSDR, is described as a form of sleep where the body does not enter deep sleep. Instead, he remains in a superficial state of rest. Research suggests that this type of sleep can benefit overall health and well-being, as it helps reduce daytime fatigue and improve cognitive functioning. Additionally, studies have shown that NSDR can help reduce stress levels and improve mood.
Physiologically, NSDR may have positive effects on the cardiovascular system by helping to reduce blood pressure and improve heart rate variability. It has also been linked to improved immune system function and better blood sugar control in people with diabetes. Additionally, research has shown that NSDR can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as increase alertness during the day.
NSDR: How does it work?
Dr. Andrew Huberman offers two methods for achieving NSDR:
Yoga Nidra.
Yoga Nidra, also known as yogic sleep, is a deep relaxation technique that requires the practitioner to relax both body and mind. By lying down comfortably and following a series of guided instructions, one can achieve an altered state of consciousness that is deeply restorative. The benefits of Yoga Nidra are: increased clarity and focus, improved mood and energy levels, reduced stress and anxiety, improved quality of sleep, increased creativity, self-awareness and growth spiritual.
Hypnosis is another way to achieve NSDR.
It has been used for centuries to help people access deeper states of relaxation to treat issues such as insomnia and chronic pain. Through hypnosis, one can learn to control one’s thoughts in order to better control one’s emotions in stressful situations. During hypnosis sessions, practitioners are guided into a state of relaxation and asked to visualize positive images or experiences to counter negative thought patterns or beliefs. This process can help reduce anxiety levels and improve overall well-being through better physical health, better emotional balance, greater mental clarity, and improved self-awareness.
The effect of NSDR on the brain.
Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to reorganize itself by forming new neural pathways and altering existing pathways in response to stimuli, experiences, or injury. Research has suggested that NSDR may have positive effects on neuroplasticity by reducing stress hormones, increasing activity levels of gamma waves (which support cognitive functioning), and improving communication between the left and right hemispheres. of the brain. This increased plasticity could promote learning and memory retention by strengthening neural networks related to these processes. In addition, due to the reduction in stress hormones associated with the practice of NSDR, this technique could also lead to an overall improvement in emotional state, which promotes better mental health as well as more cognitive functioning. high level.
