You know we love sharing new brain research.
Given it’s #brainawarenessweek, we wanted to share some neuroscience news that got our blood pumping, and relate it back to the ever present powers of yoga and yoganidrā benefits!
A recent study reported that during certain stages of sleep, the synchronised activity of neurons helps to power the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
The flow of CFS removes metabolic waste and beta-amyloid, which is linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.
While it is often easier said than done, this research affirms the importance of getting a good night’s rest. Both for day-to-day cognitive function, and for reducing the risk of future diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.
Published in one of the world’s leading multidisciplinary science journals, Nature, the study refers to high amplitude waves, delta waves, which are present during certain stages of the sleep cycle.
yoganidrā benefits:
Intriguingly, yoganidrā is also purported to increase delta waves in the brain (if we go really deep). So, we can presumably gain some of the benefits of this flow of CSF through yoganidrā, maintaining brain health.
Further, yoganidrā is known (at least neurologically) to mimic certain stages of sleep. For those who struggle with sleep disorders, the practice of yoganidrā may help train the brain to sleep with ease, jointly benefiting from yoganidrā and natural deep sleep!
To continue learning about the connection between yoga and sleep, learn with The Minded Institute.
On the 4th and 5th of September, leading yoga and sleep researcher and Harvard University Medical School Lecturer, Dr. Sat Bir Khalsa is offering a two-part seminar on “Yoga for Sleep and Sleep Disorders: Science, Research and Application.”
This seminar will cover yoganidra benefits, as well as much more.
Spread across the course of two evenings, this seminar is for yoga professionals and health professionals wishing to provide bespoke yoga practices that can significantly help with sleep improvement.
Those wishing to learn how to better their own sleep through yoga are also invited to join.
Reserve your space early here and mark your calendar to join Minded and Dr. Sat Bir.
Read the full study here.
