Yoga Nidra for cardiovascular health: a systematic review and meta-analysis of between- and within-group effects.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and non-randomized trials
PubMed 40840566 · doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103231
What was done
Authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis assessing the cardiovascular effects of Yoga Nidra (a guided meditative relaxation practice). They searched seven databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest) and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Methodological quality was evaluated with the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool for randomized trials and the Downs and Black checklist for non-randomized studies.
What was found
Out of 620 identified records, 28 studies met inclusion criteria. When compared to active controls, Yoga Nidra produced significant improvements in systolic blood pressure (Hedges' g: -1.65), diastolic blood pressure (Hedges' g: -1.01), heart rate (Hedges' g: -0.73), and the heart rate variability low-to-high frequency ratio (Hedges' g: -0.35). Confidence intervals and participant counts were not reported in the abstract.
Why it matters
This review synthesizes the quantitative evidence indicating that Yoga Nidra can improve autonomic tone and key cardiovascular risk markers, particularly blood pressure and heart rate.
Limits
Most included studies had methodological limitations, and some were non-randomized. The abstract does not report the total participant sample size, confidence intervals, population demographics, or intervention durations.
Cited by
- supports Yoga nidra (non-sleep deep rest) promotes physiological relaxation and facilitates sleep onset.