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Technique · Yoga Nidra

Yoga nidra that restores
you in 20 minutes.

Non-Sleep Deep Rest. Guided by AI that adapts to your exhaustion level. The deepest restoration you can get without actually sleeping.

StillMind yoga nidra variants - yoga nidra, deep rest, sleep nidra
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The problem

You're exhausted but can't sleep. Or you slept 8 hours and still feel depleted. Traditional meditation asks you to focus. You don't have the cognitive resources to focus on anything.

Yoga nidra is the practice of doing nothing, systematically. You lie down, follow simple guidance, and let your nervous system downshift. No effort. No concentration. No failing at it.

Cases in practice

Three modes, matched to your need.

01
Daytime deep rest

"It's 2pm. I'm running on fumes. Need energy without coffee."

Restore energy without grogginess. You emerge refreshed, not sleepy. 10-20 minutes of genuine restoration.

02
Sleep preparation

"Can't fall asleep. Mind is still going. Need to wind down properly."

Progressive relaxation into natural sleep. The session fades as you drift off. Falling asleep is the goal.

03
Full traditional practice

"I want the complete yoga nidra experience. Body rotation, visualization, the lot."

Full 30-45 minute practice. Body rotation, breath awareness, sankalpa, visualization. Adapted to your experience level.

How it works

Effort-free in three steps.

01

Choose your rest type

Exhausted at 2pm? Daytime deep rest. Can't sleep? Sleep preparation. Or just "yoga nidra" for the full practice.

02

AI matches to your state

Session length, pacing, and depth matched to your energy level, time of day, and experience.

03

Lie down and let go

No sitting required. No focus required. If you drift off during daytime practice, the voice gently brings you back. During sleep practice, drifting off is success.

What people say about deep rest with StillMind

★★★★★ 4.7 · 55 reviews
SS
S Salamence
2 months ago
★★★★★

Absolutely amazing

Absolutely amazing. One tool that I have been craving for that meets all I need for meditation. Highly recommended.

Absolutely amazing. One tool that I have been craving for that meets all I need for meditation. Highly recommended.

PJ
psychojoanna
5 months ago
★★★★★

a very nice meditation journal app

I love that it's a combination of meditation and journal! the app experience so far is very pleasant, offers variety of meditation types and its customisable...

I love that it's a combination of meditation and journal! the app experience so far is very pleasant, offers variety of meditation types and its customisable! allows to track accountability. the UI and UX are very nice and app is easy to navigate! would be definitely recommending to my friends! can't wait to see how this app evolves!

RY
Ryan Mcguinness
5 months ago
★★★★★

Groundbreaking

I was sceptical about AI generated and guided meditation sessions, but within a few moments that all melted away. Now I am glad I have a tool to achieve calm...

I was sceptical about AI generated and guided meditation sessions, but within a few moments that all melted away. Now I am glad I have a tool to achieve calm that adapts to the situation I find myself in. The app responds well, the voices are calming yet clear. This has just become my daily driver of calm.

NJ
njgell
6 months ago
★★★★★

I didn't know I needed this

The personalisation of these meditations is amazing. Most meditations I've done in the past have been generic and my mind stays to wander...

The personalisation of these meditations is amazing. Most meditations I've done in the past have been generic and my mind stays to wander, but I can use these guided meditations to keep bringing me back to the core reason why I'm doing it and not getting lost in my own thoughts.

ET
Eszterthegoat
6 months ago
★★★★★

AI guided meditation for the win

StillMind changed the game for me when it comes to meditation, because I can write down my intentions and let the voice guide me. (I am a beginner to meditation)

StillMind changed the game for me when it comes to meditation, because I can write down my intentions and let the voice guide me. (I am a beginner to meditation)

BK
Balint Kardos
6 months ago
★★★★★

Groundbreaking voice recording feature

The feature that lets me record my voice during meditation and automatically transcribes it is truly groundbreaking! For about three years I've struggled with losing most of my intuitive insights...

The feature that lets me record my voice during meditation and automatically transcribes it is truly groundbreaking! For about three years I've struggled with losing most of my intuitive insights by the time I finish meditating — this solves that perfectly. Thank you!

EC
Eliascastrog
6 months ago
★★★★★

Truly amazing!!

Honestly, this app is amazing. The AI feels super personal and it actually adapts to how I'm feeling, which makes meditating way easier and more natural...

Honestly, this app is amazing. The AI feels super personal and it actually adapts to how I'm feeling, which makes meditating way easier and more natural. The design is clean, the vibe is calming, and it's been helping me stay consistent without forcing it. Definitely my favorite mindfulness app so far!

MB
Mike Bliss
6 months ago
★★★★★

Easy setup and helpful reminders

Very easy to set up and use, clear instructions and the reminders are so helpful

Very easy to set up and use, clear instructions and the reminders are so helpful

RM
Rob Murphy
6 months ago
★★★★★

Guided AI makes meditation easy

A great meditation app, the guided AI makes is really easy to use.

A great meditation app, the guided AI makes is really easy to use.

CM
chloe murphy
6 months ago
★★★★★

Perfect for beginners

Very user friendly app and a great introduction to meditation for a beginner like me!

Very user friendly app and a great introduction to meditation for a beginner like me!

GN
Gyula Németh
6 months ago
★★★★★

Personalized meditation that actually works

I thought that a meditation app like this wouldn't work for me, but it does! I love that the speech is personalized to fit my current situation!

I thought that a meditation app like this wouldn't work for me, but it does! I love that the speech is personalized to fit my current situation!

EM
emaaaesasa
8 months ago
★★★★★

Such a calming meditation app

I honestly love this app. It feels so wholesome and easy to use. The design is simple but really modern, and the dark mode makes it extra relaxing...

I honestly love this app. It feels so wholesome and easy to use. The design is simple but really modern, and the dark mode makes it extra relaxing. The onboarding felt super personal and different from other apps, and I'm obsessed with the little details like the gentle vibrations and the closing bell at the end of a session. Being able to customize meditations is great, but I also like that there are quick defaults when I just want to jump right in. The mood tracking and daily progress idea is such a cool touch too. It kind of feels like closing your Apple Fitness rings, but in a mindful way. Plus, I think it's awesome that you can invite friends and share the journey. Overall, it just feels calming, intuitive, and really supportive. Definitely one of the best meditation apps I've tried.

GK
gabikrawczyk
8 months ago
★★★★★

This app actually got me to meditate! And like it!

I have never really had the habit of meditating but this app is so simple and intuitive that it is perfect for my chaotic mind. I love that you can adjust the session length...

I have never really had the habit of meditating but this app is so simple and intuitive that it is perfect for my chaotic mind. I love that you can adjust the session length and pick a meditation session type… for example I love using the Affirmations just so I can meditate, focus and ground myself in an affirmation and intention for the day. The journal entry right afterwards is so perfect for you to jot your thoughts down after a session… I love the font, the font size, I love the tracker to show your progress! This app is actually worth it. I actually look forward to my mornings now for my personal 2-5min moment with myself. There are features I haven't even explored but so far it's a 10/10 for me (and I'm usually very critical of apps!).

Yoga Nidra and NSDR questions

What is yoga nidra?

Yogic sleep. You lie down, follow guidance through body rotation, breath awareness, and visualization. Unlike traditional meditation, there is no effort or concentration required. Your nervous system does the work.

What is NSDR?

Non-Sleep Deep Rest, popularized by Andrew Huberman. Essentially modern yoga nidra with specific breath protocols. Same core mechanism. StillMind offers both traditional and NSDR-style protocols.

Can yoga nidra replace sleep?

Not entirely, but 20 minutes produces measurable restoration. It's remarkably effective for daytime recovery. See our sleep meditation page for sleep-specific help.

How long should a session be?

10-20 minutes for beginners and daytime rest. 30-45 minutes for full traditional practice. Even 10 minutes produces measurable relaxation response.

I keep falling asleep. Is that ok?

For sleep nidra, yes. For daytime restoration, you miss the deepest theta-state benefits but it's still restorative. Try a cooler room, slight incline, or seated position to stay in the sweet spot.

Can beginners do yoga nidra?

Yes. It's arguably the most beginner-friendly meditation practice. No experience, no postures, no concentration skills needed. If you can lie down and listen, you can do yoga nidra.

When is the best time to practice?

Mid-afternoon (1-3pm) for daytime restoration. 30 minutes before bed for sleep preparation. After stressful events for recovery. Avoid right after waking.

Begin

20 minutes of deep rest. No effort required.

AI-guided Non-Sleep Deep Rest personalized to your exhaustion level. The most beginner-friendly meditation practice that exists.

— No effort required
— Beginner-friendly
— Free forever
— 10-45 minute options