Humans have slept since the beginning of time, but the world of sleep and understanding its role in our health is on a continuous learning curve. As mattress and home comfort experts, we like to lean into that learning. One recent learning is the benefit of NSDR, or Non-Sleep Deep Rest.
In this article, we’ll dive into this new knowledge and learn:
- What exactly is NSDR?
- The benefits of NSDR, and
- How to get the most out of NSDR
What is NSDR?
Have you ever had a really good rest, like a really meaningful rest, and not been fully asleep? Turns out most of us have! We’ve all experienced this almost waking-dream state, most usually during a nap, dozing after reading a book beside your toddler, as you fall into deep sleep, or perhaps after you hit the snooze button.
NSDR, or Non-Sleep Deep Rest is when you are half asleep and according to advocates like American neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman during NSDR we experience the same (yes, the exact same!) restorative benefits of full deep sleep.
What are the benefits of NSDR?
It may seem obvious, but the benefits of NSDR are stress reduction and relaxation. We all know what a good night’s sleep can do for both body and mind, and now we know NSDR is part of this. This half asleep NSDR state can be part of a mindfulness exercise and aid in falling asleep.
Elements of NSDR are often incorporated into Yoga and Meditation practices, including the restorative pose of Savasana. Fans of new meditation light technology also experience this NSDR state while reaping the benefits of the mindfulness and deep meditation the lamps lights help facilitate. Some of Silicon Valley’s most successful people are speaking to the benefits of incorporating NSDR meditative techniques into their daily practices with great success and noticing the benefits the restorative process has given them, including actually being more rested, improving cognitive function, enhancing clarity and focus, among others.
Deep rest and relaxation without sleep might sound a little far-fetched until we all remember the half-nap on the massage table, the awake-but-not dream like state in a sun chair, or the glorious minutes after hit the snooze button. All of those deep, but not asleep, moments were you experiencing Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR).
How can you get the most out of NSDR?
Want to get more of those moments and invite more NSDR into your restorative processes?
Yoga, along with other meditation and relaxation techniques can help you achieve a more peaceful state of mind, ready to let your body lumber and your mind wander. There are also guided NSDR YouTube videos to help you, which can be particularly helpful if you are new to meditation or are looking for guidance in varying techniques.
And a good mattress. There is no way you can achieve a calm mind, let alone sleep comfortably, if you are sleeping on the wrong mattress.
Have you tried NSDR as part of your restorative and mindfulness process?
We have a variety of mattresses and brands that will serve your needs. View our selection or come speak to our Sleep experts in-store.