> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/knowledge/guides-and-insights/yoga-nidra-vs-meditation.md). # Yoga Nidra vs Meditation A practical comparison of Yoga Nidra, seated meditation, body scan, and non-sleep deep rest. Yoga Nidra and meditation overlap, but they are not identical. THC's current guidance distinguishes them mainly by posture, structure, effort, and purpose. ## Yoga Nidra Typically: * practised lying down or reclined * guided * uses a structured inward sequence * emphasises deep rest and awareness * may include body rotation, breath, imagery, opposites, and sankalpa ## Seated meditation Typically: * practised upright * may be guided or silent * trains attention, open awareness, compassion, mantra, or inquiry * usually places more emphasis on remaining alert ## Body scan A body scan is narrower. It systematically notices bodily sensations and may be used independently or as one component within a longer practice. ## NSDR **Non-Sleep Deep Rest** is a modern umbrella term for guided rest protocols. It overlaps with Yoga Nidra but should not automatically be treated as identical to every classical Yoga Nidra system. [Read THC's full comparison](https://www.theholisticcare.com/blog/yoga-nidra-vs-meditation-difference-guide) ## Related guidance * [Guides & Insights](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/knowledge/guides-and-insights) * [Bedtime Mindfulness for Children](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/knowledge/guides-and-insights/bedtime-mindfulness-for-children) * [Everyday Examples of Nonduality](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/knowledge/guides-and-insights/everyday-examples-of-nonduality) --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/knowledge/guides-and-insights/yoga-nidra-vs-meditation.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.