What is Non Sleep Deep Rest? Many of us could benefit from taking a step back from our hectic lifestyles and even busier minds. If you’re like millions of others who are having trouble getting the rest they need, it’s time to try a non-sleep deep rest protocol (NSDR).
Sleep and meditation are obviously beneficial, but they can sometimes feel out of reach due to their perceived complexities. Even though we’re armed with all the knowledge of its benefits, it’s hard to find the time to get all the sleep you need. Or worse yet, not being able to find that on-demand relaxation when you finally decide to go on vacation.
What is non sleep deep rest, you ask? It’s a method of self-care aimed at restoring energy levels and focus (among other things). Plus, not only does NSDR provide a much-needed break from your daily routine, with regular practice, it can help increase productivity, creativity, and mental clarity.
NSDR harnesses the power of guided relaxation techniques to bring you into a state of deep rest without sleep.
WHAT IS NON SLEEP DEEP REST?
Non Sleep Deep Rest, or NSDR, is a practice developed by Stanford University neuroscientist Andrew Huberman that is gaining traction as the newest biohacking trend. That being said, it’s not a “trend” at all. This type of guided meditation has been around for a while and has its roots in yoga nidra.
In straightforward terms, NSDR is precisely what it is—non sleep and deep rest.
Non sleep: You’re in a quasi-asleep state, not fully unconscious but also not completely alert. When in this intermediate state, a dream-like REM state can be triggered, mirroring what occurs when you are asleep.
Deep rest: Whenever the parasympathetic nervous system is engaged, a profound level of relaxation is achieved. Known mostly as ‘rest and digest,’ you’re calm and centered, and your fight/flight/freeze/fawn or stress mode has switched off.
So you’re not fully asleep, but you’re not wide awake either.
Using NDSR, practitioners (meaning you) can actively move into a state of deep relaxation beyond what is typically achieved during sleep. Research suggests that this kind of deep, restful state can have an array of positive benefits for mental and physical health.
Non sleep deep rest can be an effective alternative for those who find traditional meditation techniques challenging to engage with or as an alternative for those who feel excluded from the conventional wellness sphere. In addition, this form of relaxation and mindfulness can sometimes incorporate tools. Some may find this more accessible and appealing than the options typically available. Hello Lucia Light💡.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A NON SLEEP-DEEP REST PROTOCOL?
Non-sleep deep rest protocols have shown several benefits for all aspects of our well-being, including our emotional state. Studies have revealed that regular practice of NSDR can help boost concentration and learning abilities, aid in relaxation, and allow us to tap into the powerful creative flow state. Furthermore, it is known to help reduce symptoms of anxiety and worry, dramatically decreasing overall stress levels.
Moreover, recent studies have suggested that NSDR may possess a host of other beneficial properties, such as enhanced cognitive function and sharper memory recall. Finally, ongoing research is being conducted, which suggests that NSDR could even provide relief from chronic pain conditions – providing hope for many suffering individuals grappling with daily discomfort.
I CAN ATTEST TO THE PART ABOUT PAIN.
I started practicing a non-sleep deep rest protocol with the Lucia Light as a way to escape the nerve pain left over from cancer treatment. At the young age of 32, I was diagnosed with late-stage colon cancer. It was a trip. I’ll save you a lot of the details (you can read more about it here if you like), but cancer is a wild journey.
I got through it all, thank goodness, and am now in remission. I’ll be ten years cancer free in Jan 2024! However, back then, I was left with was some pretty intense nerve pain in my hands and feet. I was uncomfortable all day, and they would keep me up at night. After trying hot-cold therapy, Ozone therapy, CBD, and acupuncture–none of which worked for long–I decided to give the Lucia Light a try.
The Light by no means cured my pain, but it took me outside of it and gave me a chance to rest, reset and have some mental quiet time. It was like the pain subsided during my session because my mind was focused on the Light, patterns, and color. Afterward, I felt more relaxed and less tense in my body overall.
The Light has a way of holding you in the space between wakefulness and sleep that does something to your body and mind. And, although I wholeheartedly believe in the Lucia light experience, I think it is important to mention that I am speaking to my personal experience with it. If you’re in the Vancouver area and you’d like to try it, you’re welcome to book a complimentary demo here.
HOW CAN WE PRACTICE NSDR ON OUR OWN?
You don’t have to use fancy tools like the Lucia Light to practice NSDR. I’ve linked to a NSDR right here.
Although it may sound unbelievable, not everyone loves to sleep or finds it restful. Many people wake up feeling exhausted and zapped even on a good day, let alone if their sleep was crap. NSDR can help you feel rested despite any lack of sleep. It’s particularly beneficial for those who work long hours or shift work – such as nurses, doctors, and firefighters just to name a few.
While I’m not saying that NSDR can replace your regular sleep routine, it does offer an easy and powerful way to tap into the restorative effects of deep relaxation. And for many, this is just what we need.
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