Non sleep deep rest is currently a popular relaxation method worldwide, and it is becoming mainstream. But what exactly is it and how can we achieve it?

When we think of deep rest, most of us think of meditation or sleep, both of which are great for our body and mind. But sleeping and relaxing are often easier said than done. Although the benefits of meditation are well known, many of us find it difficult to stop in this busy world; Our busy minds can't stop running, and we feel like we haven't rested well.

If this sounds like you, then it may be time to try Non Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR), a relaxing restorative exercise that easily blends into busy daily life. Here is everything you need to know.

What is NSDR?

NSDR or non sleep deep rest is a term coined by Stanford University neuroscientist Andrew Huberman, "explained licensed psychologist Catherine Hallissey. Although it is currently the latest trend in biohacking, it is actually very similar to ancient yoga relaxation techniques or yoga sleep. NDSR is a form of guided meditation that uses specific breathing techniques to induce deep relaxation of the body and mind. ”

NSDR is useful for those who find it difficult to connect with traditional forms of meditation or feel excluded from healthy spaces for any reason, helping them engage in relaxation and mindfulness in a slightly different way.

NSDR hypnotherapist Dipti Tait explains that NSDR is a deep hypnosis relaxation system that, combined with yoga relaxation therapy, can help you achieve a focused, fluid, and calm state. ”This is achieved through a combination of mental calmness and emotional balance

NSDR is a state that can be achieved by inhibiting our nervous system by removing stimulants from our environment, "said yoga therapist Maria Jones. Practice such as restorative yoga can help with these deep resting states, but NSDR is a diverse range of relaxation exercises. ”

In very simple terms, NSDR is exactly what it says on cans, "explained Tate. But it can be divided into two halves - 'non sleep' and 'deep rest'

Non sleeping

Think about how you feel when you sleep in on weekends, "Tate explained. The non sleep state is similar to this - you are not completely asleep, but you are also not completely awake

Being in this transitional state can activate a dream like rapid eye movement (REM) state, similar to dreaming in your sleep.

Deep Rest

Whenever your parasympathetic nervous system comes into play, it reaches a state of deep rest. Commonly referred to as the 'rest and digest' mode, you are calm, focused, and your combat or escape or stress mode has been turned off.

This can be achieved in various ways, but in NSDR, it is achieved through deep rest.

What are the benefits of NSDR?

This is beneficial for both physical and mental health

The NSDR protocol has amazing benefits for our mental, physical, and emotional health, "Tate said. People believe that NSDR can improve attention and aid learning, help you relax deeply, and put you into a flow state. It also helps alleviate anxiety and worry, and greatly reduces stress symptoms. ”

It can clear the mind and help focus attention

During rapid eye movement, the brain consciously takes deep breaks, recovers, and organizes, "explained Tate. At the same time, the subconscious part of the brain is busy calmly processing what it needs to handle, making us feel awake, controllable, and able to concentrate better.

Transforming our state from stress to calmness can harmoniously integrate our physical, psychological, and emotional systems, "Tate agrees. This will stimulate our brain to super charge, clear our brain cache, make us full of vitality and energy, and restore our metaphorical cell battery power

It can make people relax

Through the relaxation process during NSDR, we are encouraged to let go and fully relax, "Jones suggested. This, combined with the removal of stimulants (light, sound, bodily sensations), can initiate the process of rest and recovery

It can help with sleep

This may sound counterintuitive, but not everyone feels that sleep is peaceful. Many people wake up feeling tired and exhausted, especially when they didn't sleep well last night. NSDR can help you feel rested in situations of sleep deprivation - making it useful for shift workers, new parents, and more.

NSDR is usually better than sleep because sleep is not peaceful for some people, "Jones agrees. Although relaxation follows the same path as sleep, being able to achieve and maintain a state of ultimate support and relaxation is actually the best way to take a deep rest

It should be noted that NSDR cannot replace good old-fashioned closed eyes. If you have difficulty falling asleep, it is best to consult your general practitioner.

How do we practice NSDR?

Hallissey explained that NSDR involves guided meditation using breathing techniques and focusing attention on specific sensations and body parts in sequence. ”It can be done while sitting or lying down. Long and prolonged exhalation is used to activate the resting and digestive systems, inducing a deep state of relaxation in the body and mind

If you are not familiar with this practice, experts recommend that you follow the following steps:

Find a comfortable space to relax, knowing that you won't be disturbed, so that you can better feel the natural frequency fluctuations. You should know that the hippocampus of our brain is consistent with the natural frequency. If you feel the fluctuations of the natural frequency well, you will discover it.

Ensure that the temperature and humidity of the surrounding environment are constant, and if possible, you can even be completely naked. These civilized products can sometimes be a burden on your body.

Turn off all equipment and electronic devices in the room, so that no external factors can interfere with you, such as fiber optics, sound, odor, etc. Do not use anything to avoid distraction.

Although you may feel very relaxed, please try not to fall asleep. Of course, it's okay if you fall asleep, but if you keep a trace of consciousness, you will gain more from this process between half asleep and half awake.

Okay, maybe you've noticed. What I mean is, you can try it in the floating cabin .....