Yoga nidra for mental health: A systematic review of current evidence

Article

Malviya, Shikha, Saoji, Apar Avinash and Pravalika, B. 2025. "Yoga nidra for mental health: A systematic review of current evidence ." Journal of Spirituality in Mental Health. 27 (1), pp. 70-96. https://doi.org/10.1080/19349637.2023.2290249
Article Title

Yoga nidra for mental health: A systematic review of current evidence

ERA Journal ID12616
Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsMalviya, Shikha, Saoji, Apar Avinash and Pravalika, B
Journal TitleJournal of Spirituality in Mental Health
Journal Citation27 (1), pp. 70-96
Number of Pages27
Year2025
PublisherTaylor & Francis
Place of PublicationUnited States
ISSN1934-9637
1934-9645
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1080/19349637.2023.2290249
Web Address (URL)https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19349637.2023.2290249
Abstract

The provision of mental health care is currently inadequate worldwide. A need for innovative, accessible, and evidence-based mental health interventions has been identified. This study explored the potential use of yoga nidra practice as mental health intervention through reviewing current relevant evidence. Sixteen studies were examined, revealing the effectiveness of yoga nidra in stress, depression, and anxiety. Though evidence was limited, yoga nidra also seemed to be effective in posttraumatic stress disorder and psychological well-being. In view of the findings, yoga nidra may warrant consideration as a preventive and therapeutic mental health strategy. Implications for clinical practice and recommendations for future research are discussed. © 2023 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

KeywordsYoga Nidra; mental health; Yoga; alternative therapies; spiritual practice
Contains Sensitive ContentDoes not contain sensitive content
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020420313. Mental health services
Public Notes

This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Journal of Spirituality in Mental Health on 11 Dec 2023, available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/19349637.2023.2290249

Byline AffiliationsSchool of Health and Medical Sciences
Central Queensland University
Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana, India
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