Yoga Nidra is a deeply restorative and meditative practice that puts the practitioner in a dream-like state through guided meditation. It helps soothe the nervous system, rejuvenates and restores the body and mind, and diminishes symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other emotional obstacles. In addition, it also promotes better sleep, pain reduction, enhanced mental clarity, and increased energy throughout the day.
Many yoga teachers find that offering yoga nidra to their students is an excellent way to deepen the mind-body connection. But how do yoga teachers learn to guide their students in these sessions? Of course, the best way to ensure you’re giving your students a quality experience is to complete a training.
However, in-person yoga teacher training courses for this niche style of yoga may not always be available in your area. Luckily, there are fabulous online resources available that you can access from anywhere in the world to complete your yoga nidra training!
We’ve narrowed down the very best online yoga Nidra teacher training courses for you to:
Top pick
Scott’s yoga school is dedicated to Nidra and bettering oneself. It offers the most comprehensive training for teachers, coaches, and therapists who want to guide profound transformation for themselves and others.
Value pick
You will feel a greater understanding and connection to yoga Nidra and should highly consider this course for your next continuing education program.
Also great
Learn to guide and teach yoga nidra using a proven framework, therapeutic techniques, and business skills to launch your own practice.
In each review, we’ll provide a breakdown of the training’s course material, highlights, and everything you need to select an online program. If you’re interested in obtaining a certification but aren’t sure where to begin, stick with us as we review the best online yoga Nidra teacher training course options!
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Scott Moore Yoga, RYS 200, E-RYT 500, and author of Practical Yoga Nidra, is a passionate and experienced practitioner and yoga instruction provider specializing in teaching yoga nidra. His school offers various programs for all levels, including teacher training, private sessions, mentorship, and supplemental materials to deepen one’s practice.
Scott Moore Yoga Facilitating Transformation with the Yoga of Sleep is available for instant download so trainees can work at their own pace. This 50-hour intensive yoga nidra teacher training provides participants with tools for deeper learning about the self.
The online program will prepare facilitators to guide others safely and intelligently while exploring how to become successful teachers. Trainees participate in Nidra, pranayama, and mindfulness. They will watch detailed video lectures on creating unique and effective yoga nidra classes and scripts. Participants also learn about the origins of yoga nidra, storytelling and mythology, mantra chanting, and philosophical concepts like energies of the subtle body and the Koshas.
This yoga nidra online class offers an extensive collection of scripts spanning a range of topics: grief, healing, sleep, reaching goals, compassion, abundance, bliss, wisdom, grounding, and more.
One of the more practical aspects of this teacher training is how to earn a living teaching, organizing, and leading retreats.
Highlights of this program include:
- Time: Self-paced
- Yoga Nidra Certification: Completing this training includes a certificate and 50 hours of non-contact continued education credit recognized by Yoga Alliance.
- Lifetime access to all audio and video lectures and course materials, including 100+ pages of yoga nidra scripts and a library of recordings
Price
- $589. This fee also brings the option to complete two payments of $309.
Review from a past student
“Scott’s Yoga Nidra Teacher Training was an excellent blend of information, inspiration, and application. I love his way of organizing and presenting of the abundance of material. Scott is very authentic and has a way of connecting and empowering his student to feel confident to utilize the tools he provides. I am so thankful to have the Yoga Nidra as part of my toolbox of offerings!” -Jackie (Direct review)
The My Vinyasa Practice Yoga Nidra Certification, created and run by Michelle Young (E-RYT 500, C-IAYT), is ideal for all learning levels and leads its participants toward becoming leaders and mentors. This yoga nidra training emphasizes healing and therapy and promotes self-reflection while giving yoga teachers the tools to be creative within their teaching practice.
With My Vinyasa Practice’s yoga nidra course, you’ll learn techniques to regulate and tone your nervous system and experience first-hand the powerful stress relief from practicing yoga nidra. From the teaching standpoint, this online training covers the ethics of teaching yoga. It explores technical aspects, like trauma and neuroplasticity, and direct versus abstract association concepts in meditative and healing practices.
By the end of this training, trainees can create their Nidra scripts and understand how cultivating an ideal environment enhances the experience.
Highlights of this program include:
- Time: Self-paced, with course completion possible in as little as four weeks
- Yoga Nidra Certification: 40 hours of non-contact Yoga Alliance continuing education credits
- Lifetime access to all modules of the course material
- Direct support from lead trainers and teachers
Price
- $358, but they often offer hefty discounts!
Review from a past student
“All staffs in MVP is so responsive and helpful. Michelle and the teachers offer a wide range of yoga practices not only Vinyasa but also Yin, Yoga Nidra, Sound Healing, Trauma-Informed Yoga, etc. MVP makes all students inclusive and are welcoming. I appreciate all work Michelle and the teacher put into the training and I look forward to keeping in touch with them and their teachings for life!” -Yuko Y (Google review)
Senior teacher Liz Hefferman, a certified yoga therapist, leads the Soma Yoga Institute Yoga Nidra for Healing and Transformation certification course. You’ll explore the ancient roots of Nidra and its theory and learn how to adapt the practice for modern-day practitioners.
Soma Yoga Institute stays up-to-date with the latest scientific research to support its curriculum. You’ll learn about how this ancient practice applies to current-day challenges many people face, including anxiety, PTSD, trauma recovery, and mood disorders.
This yoga nidra training online delivers clear, concise, and practical lessons. You’ll learn through pre-recorded videos, lectures, and practices, then complete actionable assignments to directly apply the techniques you’ve learned in the course material. In addition to the independent study time, you’ll participate in weekly live Zoom calls for a shared experience with your peers.
Highlights of this program include:
- Time: 5 weeks, with 4 hours of content/practice each week.
- Yoga Nidra Certification with 20 continuing education units approved by Yoga Alliance.
- Clear, ten-step framework for writing scripts, developing voice tone and pacing skills for delivering quality sessions.
- Understand the importance of sankalpa in creating transformative experiences for your students.
Price
- Soma Yoga Institute’s yoga nidra certification costs $397.
Review from a past student
“This yoga nidra training course allowed me to explore my existing nidra practice. I find myself having more clarity and feeling more balanced. I also really enjoyed the amount of details, hands-on practice, clarity of the instructions, and class participation. Thanks to the lectures’ breakdown and class discussion, I could better understand some of the more subtle aspects of yoga nidra within the larger body of yogic knowledge and traditions.” – Ron Fog (Website review)
Facilitated by Simone MacKay, a Soul Guide, Yoga Nidra expert, and experienced International Yoga Teacher Trainer, The Nidra Blueprint draws from her 25+ years of teaching and mentoring. You will learn ancient yogic philosophy, set clear intentions, explore source consciousness and modern neuroscience, and receive practical tools for crafting unique Yoga Nidra sessions.
Tailored for those with 200 hours of yoga teacher training (qualifies for 25 hours of YACEP) or at least two years of dedicated yoga practice, Simone’s learning experience uncovers the magic of Yoga Nidra, guides you toward lasting change, and the trauma-informed approach enables to contribute to an urgent shift in humanity’s consciousness.
The curriculum spans seven weeks, offering two live weekly sessions via Zoom at 8am and 3pm ICT, with limited availability for 3-8 participants per cohort, and supported by audio and video content. It covers various aspects such as mapping the Nidra blueprint, welcoming sensation, felt-sense awareness, harnessing energy through breath rhythms, navigating the mind and emotions, embodying heartful presence, and more.
Highlights of this program include:
- Yoga Nidra Mastery
- Safe container creation
- Somatic awareness training
- Mindful presence
- Emotional resilience
- Soul path alignment
Price
The course fee operates on a sliding scale, ranging from $550 to $850, ensuring financial inclusivity. Simone also contributes some earnings to support animal welfare, indigenous communities, and Mother Earth. Seize the opportunity to deepen your expertise and enrich your yoga journey!
Review from a past student
“A big thank you for all your generosity and for such a beautiful and soulful way to explore and understand the koshas. Your presence, guidance, and teaching style through the videos is very authentic, engaging, and full of insight. I’m loving following along with each part!” ~ Lizabeth (Direct review)
Are you looking for a quick and cost-effective program? Vinyasa Yogashala Yoga Nidra Teacher Training Online could be your best option. This program is a great place to start if you are a yoga teacher who wants to learn more about yoga nidra.
Vinyasa Yogashala is based in Rishikesh, India. It offers in-person and online training led by the respected Yogini Tanushree, a yoga nidra master. Throughout this 20-hour yoga course, she leads participants through deep self-reflection and emphasizes the healing aspects of practicing yoga nidra.
This program covers the origin and benefits of yoga nidra and gives yoga teachers the tools they need to be more creative. Trainees learn all the essential phases of a yoga nidra session, from preparation to rotation of consciousness, breath awareness, visualization, and more.
By the end of this Nidra yoga training, you’ll have the tools to guide others confidently through this meditative experience.
Highlights of this program include:
- Time: Self-paced, with completion possible in as little as ten days
- Yoga Nidra Certification: 20-hour certificate of continuing education credits (5 contact hours, 15 non-contact) approved by Yoga Alliance
- Lifetime access to all course materials, including lectures and pre-recorded audio and video classes
Price
- At just $150, this yoga Nidra online class is one of the cheapest options!
Review from a past student
“I’m so glad I choose this school for my online yoga teacher training. I had a good feeling and the experience matched. The teachers are professional, kind, and engaging.” -Hillary (Vinyasa Yogashala website review)
The 50-Hour Yoga Nidra Online course by Santosha Yoga Institute offers an inspiring program enabling you to teach and share the healing practice of yoga nidra. Barbara Kundig, yoga nidra instructor and author of the best-selling book Yoga Nidra: Blissful Deep Relaxation, leads this program with her extensive experience and offers live support and mentoring to program participants.
Six unique modules make this teacher training course a well-rounded and comprehensive curriculum. You’ll dive deeper into the topic after learning the basic foundations and experiencing the practice for yourself.
Unique aspects of this online yoga nidra teacher training include the topics of Raja and Tantric yoga and the connection with chakras and energetic principles. Overall, this yoga nidra course presents an opportunity to deepen your overall understanding of yoga.
Highlights of this program include:
- Time: Self-paced with no time limit, although students typically complete in six to ten months
- Yoga Nidra Certification: Certificate with 50 hours of continuing education credit verified by Yoga Alliance
- Access to course materials, including a comprehensive training manual, recorded video lectures, audio recordings of yoga nidra meditations, and scripts available to download
Price
- The Santosha Yoga Institute lists this training online at $675 AUD, which converts to $438 as of November 2023
Review from a past student
“…I have been practicing yoga for about 10 years before I signed up with Santosha. I truly understood the foundation of yoga and it’s incredible essence in our life.” -Odnoo B. (Google review)
What is required to earn a yoga nidra teacher certification?
Photo: Instagram @clare.hope
Yoga teacher certification requirements are continuously evolving. And while anyone with proper knowledge and experience can lead a yoga nidra session, you’ll feel more confident and gain the respect of your students having completed an accredited teacher training program.
Any of the above courses will provide an individual with the knowledge and tools to teach yoga nidra. However, most programs list the prerequisite of being a RYT-200 (Registered Yoga Teacher with 200 hours). Completing a yoga nidra teacher training online provides you with continuing education (CE) credits to supplement your credentials and keep your teaching certification current.
Because of the healing nature of yoga nidra, it is crucial to be appropriately trained and prepared. Yoga nidra and guided meditation help practitioners process trauma and release stress. In those instances, students may require additional support. A responsible and effective teacher trained properly has the skills to manage these situations and provide a safe space for all individuals.
Typical yoga nidra teacher certification programs, including the ones on this list, range from 20 to 50 hours. Some programs include more individual practice and are beneficial to teachers who don’t have much personal experience with this style of yoga. Others focus more on the technical aspects of planning and leading yoga nidra sessions.
No matter your experience is, there is an online yoga nidra teacher training to fit your needs and interests.
How do you lead a yoga nidra session?
Yoga nidra is a specialized practice that takes thoughtfulness to plan and facilitate. Timing, environment, props, and script all affect the experience immensely!
Here are some essential factors to remember when planning and leading a yoga nidra session.
Optimal Time
Early morning and before bed are optimal times for nidra. Yoga nidra means “yogic sleep” and is a natural and safe way to help encourage deep rest.
Some people may want to experience yoga nidra before bed to prepare the mind and body for deep relaxation. However, others may wish to use it as a meditation or self-exploration and prefer to stay awake afterward to integrate their experience.
As a teacher planning a yoga nidra class, clearly state the intention or sankalpa of the session so students have clear expectations.
Soothing Environment
For a successful yoga nidra session, it is essential to provide a calm and supportive environment so practitioners are alert but restful. Your yoga nidra session should be in a soft-lit space free from distracting external noises.
Another must-have in any session is access to props. Provide your students with yoga props such as blankets, bolsters, and extra mats to ensure they remain comfortable throughout the session. Keeping the body as relaxed as possible allows a more profound meditative experience.
To further enhance the experience, you might add the following:
- Aromatherapy: diffuse a soothing essential oil such as lavender
- Play soothing background music
- Include sacred sounds like singing bowls or meditation bells
Ultimately, a yoga nidra session takes practitioners on an internal journey. Setting up the optimal environment allows the students to feel supported and safe in self-exploration.
Proper Script
The script is where the magic truly happens in a session! Typical yoga nidra scripts may include 4 to 10 distinct stages, each designed to contribute to the ultimate state of deep relaxation.
When writing a yoga nidra script, consider it like several meditations rolled into one. You’ll use elements of body scan, breath awareness, noticing thoughts and emotions, visualizations, and intention setting. Scripts sometimes include other elements like affirmations or mantras as well.
If it sounds daunting to write a script on your own, you can find free scripts online to use (provided you do not make recordings using copyrighted material). You also can use a pre-recorded audio track rather than reading a script aloud.
Keep these tips in mind when facilitating a yoga nidra session:
- The tone of voice should be calm and soothing when delivering the script.
- Take your time and allow for pauses between instructions so students have time to internalize and experience each step.
- The duration of a yoga nidra session varies depending on the script length and intention of the practice, but 20 minutes to an hour is standard.
- Manage the session time wisely and practice the script beforehand to pace yourself properly.
7 Steps to Enter a Deeply Relaxed State
Photo: Instagram @johannahector_
Yoga nidra typically involves seven stages to enter a deep, unconscious state:
- Intention: Set an intention or affirmation for the yoga nidra session.
- Rotation of consciousness: systematically shifting the attention to different body parts, becoming aware of the physical body.
- Breath awareness: noticing the natural breathing pattern and sometimes counting breaths.
- Opposite Sensations: tapping into the mind-body layer by bringing awareness to feelings and sensations through contrasting sensory input.
- Visualization: rapidly visualizing everyday objects or scenery to cultivate inner peace and a receptive mind state.
- Repetition of intention: once your mind is relaxed and receptive, return to the original intention of the session to be absorbed by the subconscious.
- Externalization or return: gradually bringing the consciousness back to normal functioning, becoming aware of the physical surroundings, and concluding the session.
These steps may vary amongst teachers and traditions, but these seven stages are standard in most yoga nidra practices and can serve as a template when you write your script.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of doing yoga nidra certification online?
There are many benefits to getting your yoga nidra certification online, including cost-effectiveness, self-paced study, and convenience and comfort of learning from home. Only some people can pause their life and travel to a retreat destination. Online modules like the ones reviewed here allow interested teachers to continue their yoga education, fitting a yoga nidra classes into their current schedule.
It’s also important to remember that the practices included in many online trainings can have profound physical, mental, and emotional effects. Being in your familiar space will help you feel more comfortable and get the most out of your experience.
How long does it take to complete a yoga nidra certification?
The length of programs vary, but you can complete an yoga nidra certification program in anywhere from 10 days to 3 months.
Do I need a yoga nidra certification to teach this style of yoga?
Technically, anyone with enough yoga nidra practice experience can lead a session. However, the yoga community advises facilitators to receive a yoga nidra certification issued by an accredited school.
What are the requirements for signing up for a yoga nidra teacher training online?
Most yoga nidra teacher training options accept anyone, but to receive a teaching certificate you’ll have to have completed a 200-hour yoga teacher training first.
Final Thoughts on the Best Yoga Nidra Teacher Training
Becoming a certified yoga nidra teacher begins with personal experience with the practice. This involves dedicated exploration and immersion in yoga nidra sessions to understand its nuances and effects firsthand. Once you feel ready to share this practice with others, pursuing formal training and certification becomes essential.
Completing online training can be a convenient and accessible option for practitioners looking to incorporate yoga nidra into their self-care routine or yoga teachers seeking to expand their skill set. By choosing one of the best yoga nidra teacher training programs, you can ensure a enriching learning experience.
