Ayla Nova | Yoga Nidra & Beyond

Yoga Nidra—often called yogic sleep or Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR)—is a deeply restorative practice for the entire body–mind system. It uses systematic relaxation to guide the brain into theta and delta brainwave states, where the nervous system can truly downshift and repair. In these states, the body accesses a level of rest that is profoundly nourishing; it’s often said that one hour of Yoga Nidra can be equivalent to several hours of deep sleep. The practice has been widely studied, and figures like Andrew Huberman have spoken about its measurable effects on the brain, stress regulation, and recovery, which you can explore here. I always encourage engaging with the research directly and following what resonates for you.

Yoga Nidra is an especially supportive practice for those who struggle to fall asleep, stay asleep, or quiet a constantly active mind. Rather than forcing rest, it gently guides the system into it—meeting the nervous system where it is and leading it home.

Ayla Nova brings her own distinct voice to this tradition. While her practices are accessible for all levels, she also offers a more advanced approach—working intentionally with the subconscious while the mind rests in these deep brainwave states. Her sessions feel both gentle and precise, supporting not just rest, but quiet re-patterning beneath the surface. This is restoration with intelligence—rest that reaches further than sleep alone.