Natl Med J India
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Yoga nidra practice shows improvement in sleep in patients with chronic insomnia: A randomized controlled trial.
Background Yoga nidra is practised by sages for sleep. The practice is simple to use and has been clearly laid out, but its role in the treatment of chronic insomnia has not been well studied. Methods In this randomized parallel-design study conducted during 2012-16, we enrolled 41 patients with chronic insomnia to receive conventional intervention of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (n=20) or yoga nidra (n=21). ⋯ Salivary cortisol reduced statistically significantly after yoga nidra (p=0.041). Conclusion Improvement of N3 sleep, total wake duration and subjective sleep quality occurred following yoga nidra practice. Yoga nidra practice can be used for treatment of chronic insomnia after supervised practice sessions.