What Is Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR)?
With many of us experiencing high levels of stress and incredibly fast-paced daily lives, finding ways to relax and recharge is more important than ever. While traditional approaches like meditation and yoga can be helpful, there is another method gaining popularity for its ease and accessibility: Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR).
If you’ve searched “what is non-sleep deep rest?” or “what is NSDR?”, you’re likely looking for a clear, simple explanation of this increasingly popular relaxation practice.
Here is the short answer:
Non-sleep deep rest (NSDR) is a guided relaxation practice that brings the body into a deeply restorative state while you remain awake and aware.
It allows the nervous system to rest, recover, and regulate without actually falling asleep.
What Does NSDR Stand For?
NSDR = Non-Sleep Deep Rest
The term is used to describe a group of practices designed to help the body enter a healing state of deep relaxation while maintaining gentle awareness.
Common NSDR practices include:
Guided Yoga Nidra
Body scan meditation
Trauma-informed meditation
Deep relaxation scripts
Among these, Yoga Nidra is the most widely known and widely practiced form of NSDR.
Why Is It Called “Non-Sleep” Deep Rest?
The name helps distinguish NSDR from sleep and naps.
During NSDR:
Your body relaxes deeply
Brain waves slow down
Stress hormones decrease
You remain lightly aware
You may feel like you’re drifting or dreaming — but you’re not fully asleep. This is why NSDR is often described as “conscious rest.”
Is NSDR the Same as Meditation?
Not exactly. While meditation and non-sleep deep rest may seem similar, they serve different purposes. Meditation primarily trains attention and awareness, often practiced sitting upright while observing thoughts or focusing on the breath.
Non-sleep deep rest, on the other hand, is designed for deep physical and nervous system relaxation. During NSDR, you typically lie down and follow guided instructions that help the body release tension and enter a restorative state. In simple terms, meditation strengthens the mind, while NSDR restores the nervous system.
Many people who struggle with traditional meditation find NSDR much easier and more accessible.
Is NSDR the Same as a Nap?
NSDR and naps feel similar, but they are different.
A nap is unconscious sleep, while NSDR is a guided, conscious form of rest. During NSDR, you remain lightly aware as the body relaxes deeply, allowing you to access many of the restorative benefits of sleep without actually falling asleep.
Because it is intentional and structured, NSDR is often described as “conscious rest,” making it a helpful option for people who struggle to nap but still need deep restoration.
Why Is NSDR Becoming Popular?
Modern life keeps many people stuck in a chronic stress response.
Common experiences include:
Feeling tired but wired
Difficulty relaxing
Burnout and overwhelm
Trouble falling asleep
NSDR helps the nervous system shift into the parasympathetic “rest and repair” state.
This is why neuroscientists, therapists, and wellness practitioners now recommend NSDR as a foundational recovery tool.
What Happens in the Body During NSDR?
During non-sleep deep rest, the body shifts out of stress mode and into healing mode.
Typical physiological changes include:
Slower heart rate
Lower cortisol levels
Relaxed muscles
Slower breathing
Increased parasympathetic activity
These changes help the body recover from stress and restore energy.
Is Yoga Nidra a Form of NSDR?
Yes, Yoga Nidra is one of the most well-known and effective forms of non-sleep deep rest. It is an ancient yogic practice meaning “yogic sleep.”
Yoga Nidra typically includes:
Body awareness
Breath awareness
Visualization
Guided relaxation
Because it is structured and guided, Yoga Nidra is often the easiest way for beginners to experience NSDR.
Try a free Yoga Nidra practice today on the Humaya app.
Who Is NSDR For?
Non-sleep deep rest can be helpful for people who:
Feel chronically stressed
Experience burnout or anxiety
Have trouble relaxing
Want deeper rest without sleeping
Feel overwhelmed or overstimulated
You do not need meditation experience to try NSDR.
How Long Does NSDR Take?
Typical NSDR sessions last:
10–20 minutes for beginners
20–30 minutes for deeper sessions
Even short sessions can feel restorative.
Where Do You Start?
Most people begin NSDR using guided audio practices.
Explore our guided Yoga Nidra and NSDR library here.
Learn More About Non-Sleep Deep Rest
For a deeper dive into:
Benefits of NSDR
The science behind deep relaxation
Step-by-step practice
Nervous system regulation
Read our complete guide to Non-Sleep Deep Rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is non-sleep deep rest?
Non-sleep deep rest is a guided relaxation practice that allows the body to enter a deeply restorative state while remaining awake and aware.
What does NSDR stand for?
NSDR stands for Non-Sleep Deep Rest.
Is NSDR meditation?
No. Meditation focuses on awareness, while NSDR focuses on deep physical relaxation.
Is NSDR the same as Yoga Nidra?
Yoga Nidra is one of the most popular forms of NSDR. Yoga Nidra is an ancient yogic practice that means “yogic sleep.”
Try NSDR with the Humaya App
If you're interested in trying NSDR for yourself, the Humaya app is a great place to start. You’ll have access to variety of guided NSDR meditations, ranging from 10-50 minutes, to help you achieve a deep state of relaxation and rest.
Whether you're looking to reduce stress, improve sleep, or boost your overall health and wellbeing, NSDR can be a powerful tool to help you achieve your goals. Take the first step towards more relaxation, ease, and wellbeing with a 14 day free trial of the Humaya app today.