Table 1.

The different stages of Yoga Nidra.

1	Sankalpa: A resolution, an intention that the participant needs in his/her life
2	Rotation of consciousness: Awareness to the different body parts, without concentrating
3	Breath awareness: Attention to the breathing that should not be altered or forced in this stage
4	Feelings and emotions: Intense sensations are awakened and then “removed”
5	Visualization*: In this stage, the participant should enter the hypnagogic state
6	Ending: The sankalpa is repeated, and the participant slowly comes back to the reality

Sankalpa: the Sanskrit word for “intention” expressed as a simple, short, and positive sentence (e.g., “I am calm,” “I am successful”).

^*This part can be guided in detail (describing, for example, peaceful places) or be more open, encouraging the participant to visualize personal functional places or moments. Stages 2, 3, and 4 are functional to relaxation and facilitate the hypnagogic state; sounds can be used to make the auditory channel remain active.