Our bodies use the lymphatic system to clear out any toxins, kill germs, and clear out waste while balancing fluids. You do nothing. The body works for you outside your conscious awareness.
Much the same, our glymphatic system in the brain removing waste products like toxins and proteins (e.g., beta-amyloid, which is linked to Alzheimer’s disease). During deep sleep, the brain’s glymphatic system becomes more active.
CSF flows more efficiently through the brain, helping remove the harmful products. Since many people have challenges with sleep, I offer the tool of Yoga Nidra to help activate this healing system in the brain. Often referred to as non-sleep deep rest (NSDR), this practice brings the brain into balance and releases stress.
Why would I do this?
Do you ever feel unrested? Stressed? Like you cannot manage the tasks or demands of the day? Then non-sleep deep rest is for you. Even though you remain awake, your body receives the practice as if you just napped.
You often emerge feeling rested and ready to take on more. Also, it’s brain hygiene. If you are interested in staying mentally and physically healthy as you age, you will nurture your brain.
How do I practice?
For non-sleep deep rest you may choose an audio guide. Anywhere from 10 minutes up to an hour or more. You Tube has hundreds of NSDR videos, but I will share a practitioner that I love here.
She has a smooth voice, uses great sound, and she implements yoga nidra with fidelity. There are many “bad” non-sleep deep rest videos out there; meaning, they don’t really follow the formula of NSDR. There is a wrong way and a right way.
Learn more about non-sleep deep rest, or NSDR, from Dr. Andrew Huberman.