The Effects of Yoga Nidra Practice on EEG Oscillations: A Systematic Review

  1. Vicky Kachera
  2. Dimple Patel
  3. Saurabh Mishra
  4. Alka Mishra
  5. James Gomes
  6. Rahul Garg
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Abstract

Background

Yoga Nidra practice (YNP) is a systematic method of inducing physical, mental and emotional relaxation. Research suggests that YNP may enhance sleep quality and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and stress. Currently, research on YNP focuses on studying neural activity using EEG to determine the differences between YNP and sleep, but the findings remain fragmented. This review examines the relationship between YNP and EEG activity, based on quantitative studies reported in the literature.

Methods

Studies examining the effects of YNP on EEG oscillations, published in the English language, were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus from inception to May 6, 2025. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Since a meta-analysis could not be done owing to heterogeneity in study designs, Power Spectral Density (PSD) and EEG-based sleep-related findings were synthesised narratively.

Results

Twelve studies with 326 participants met the inclusion criteria, employing varied designs including RCTs, as well as pre-post, within-subject and crossover studies. Only two studies met all the MMAT quality criteria. The most consistent finding was an increase in theta power among experienced practitioners, as reported in four studies. Changes in alpha, delta, beta, and gamma bands were inconsistent. A common observation was that participants with prior YNP experience remained awake during practice. Additionally, YNP was associated with improvements in sleep quality.

Conclusion

Yoga Nidra Practice shows promise in improving sleep-related outcomes and promoting deep relaxation. More well-designed studies with larger sample sizes and diverse populations are essential to better understand its impact on EEG and its underlying neural mechanisms.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42024511747.

Highlights

  • Yoga Nidra practice (YNP) has significant effects on EEG oscillations.

  • By facilitating deep relaxation, YNP improves sleep-related outcomes.

  • No consistent patterns were observed in the Power Spectral Density of alpha, beta, delta and gamma bands.

  • The findings elicit the need for further studies with larger sample sizes, diverse populations and longitudinal designs.

Article activity feed

  1. Version published to 10.1101/2025.06.16.25329676v2 on medRxiv
  2. Version published to 10.1101/2025.06.16.25329676v1 on medRxiv