NSDR
OK to fall asleep

Deep Rest for Short Nights

nsdr
Guided · 20 min
19:27

remaining

0:0019:27

A slow, deep body rest for days when sleep has been short. A guided wind-down and a long, restorative stillness — with a gentle return at the end, so you can carry on with your day.

Type

nsdr

Best Time

Daytime, after a short night

Duration

20 min

Mode

Guided

Phases

1Settling in1m5s
2Permission to rest56s
3The Long Exhale1m48s
4Softening the Face52s
5Heavy Shoulders and Arms57s
6Chest and Belly1m
7Heavy Legs1m7s
8Held by Gravity1m55s
9Warmth Spreading1m52s
10The Space Between2m52s
11Deep rest4m30s
12Beginning to return51s
13Returning48s
14Gentle close30s

Benefits

A calmer, quieter body after a short nightA quiet pause in the middle of the dayThe feeling of setting down some of the day's weightA settled feeling to carry on with

NSDR puts your brain into a state similar to sleep while remaining conscious. It is perfectly okay to fall asleep. Your body will get what it needs.

About This Practice

A slow, deep body rest for days when sleep has been short. A guided wind-down and a long, restorative stillness — with a gentle return at the end, so you can carry on with your day.

Benefits

A calmer, quieter body after a short night
A quiet pause in the middle of the day
The feeling of setting down some of the day's weight
A settled feeling to carry on with

When to Practice

Daytime, after a short night

How to Practice

Find somewhere you can lie down or recline undisturbed for about twenty minutes — a sofa, a bed, or a mat all work. Loosen anything tight and let your body be fully supported. This is a deep daytime rest for when sleep has been short. Let the long silences do the work; in them there is nothing to achieve. You do not need to fall asleep — resting is the whole practice. Unlike a bedtime session, this one guides you back at the end, so you can return to your day feeling a little more settled. If you do drift off, simply take your time when you surface.

Science & Research

Deep-rest practices like this are used by many people to unwind and feel more settled. It offers a way to rest, and is not a replacement for a full night's sleep.

Tips

Let the long silences be the point — there is nothing to do in them but rest.
It's fine if you drift off; the guided return will still be there when you surface.
If your mind wanders, gently return to the weight of your body.
A dim, quiet room helps the body settle.

Precautions

Practise in bed or somewhere safe to fall asleep. Never while driving.