What is NSDR? Non-Sleep Deep Rest Explained
You're tired, but you can't nap. You have 20 minutes before your next meeting. What do you do? Coffee? No. You need NSDR.
What is NSDR?
Coined by neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman, Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR) is a term that encompasses practices like Yoga Nidra and self-hypnosis. It is a state of deep relaxation where your body falls asleep, but your mind remains awake and aware.
The Benefits
- Accelerated Learning: Studies show that NSDR increases neuroplasticity, helping you retain information better after a study session.
- Dopamine Recovery: It restores dopamine reserves in the basal ganglia, giving you motivation for the rest of the day.
- Stress Reduction: It activates the parasympathetic nervous system, instantly lowering cortisol.
How to Do It
You don't need a studio.
- Lie down on your back.
- Put on headphones.
- Search for a "10 Minute NSDR" script on YouTube (or use the audio guides in Habit OS).
- Follow the body scan instructions.
It's that simple. 20 minutes of NSDR can feel like 3 hours of sleep. If you are serious about cognitive performance, this tool is non-negotiable.
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