The Benefits of Yoga Nidra for Trauma Healing

By Lauren Short | June 12, 2025

For many of us, healing from trauma requires more than just talk therapy. The body holds unprocessed tension, emotions, and memories. Yoga Nidra, often called “yogic sleep,” offers a profound and gentle approach to release and integration.

Yoga Nidra guides the practitioner into a deep state of conscious relaxation where the nervous system can reset and repair. Unlike traditional sleep, this practice keeps you aware while guiding your body and mind into stillness. Studies have shown that Yoga Nidra can lower cortisol levels, calm anxiety, and support emotional processing without forcing you to relive the pain.

One of the unique benefits of Yoga Nidra for trauma healing is its accessibility. Because it is practiced lying down with eyes closed, it can feel safe and non-threatening for those who struggle with anxiety or hyperarousal. The systematic approach to body awareness, breath, and visualization gently helps release stored tension without overwhelming the system. For individuals who experience symptoms of PTSD, chronic stress, or burnout, Yoga Nidra can provide a vital reset to the nervous system, helping to shift from fight-or-flight mode into a parasympathetic state of rest and recovery.

This practice is especially supportive for:

  • Individuals healing from emotional or physical trauma
  • Those experiencing chronic anxiety, insomnia, or depression
  • Caregivers, therapists, and healthcare workers who carry secondary trauma
  • Anyone managing high-stress work or life situations
  • People seeking deep rest and nervous system regulation

Because Yoga Nidra works gently over time, consistency matters. We recommend attending a Yoga Nidra session at least once or twice a week to experience its full benefits. Even brief, regular sessions can begin to create long-lasting changes in how the mind and body respond to stress and emotional triggers.

At Eugene Yoga, we approach Yoga Nidra with care and trauma-informed awareness. Our instructors create a safe space where you can rest deeply, reconnect with your body, and cultivate inner safety. Over time, this practice helps regulate the nervous system, improve sleep, and build resilience. Here are some upcoming opportunities to experience Yoga Nidra:

Make sure to check our full schedule often for upcoming Yoga Nidra workshops.

This summer, take the time to nourish your healing journey. Join us for one month of unlimited yoga for just $75 during June, July, and August. Your path to peace begins with a single breath.

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