Claim reviewed: Yoga nidra (guided deep rest) may help reduce stress and anxiety.
What do we know?
A meta-analysis of 73 studies (5201 participants) found moderate-to-large effects on stress and anxiety.
What don't we know?
Methodological quality is low and delivery varies widely; the authors think the effects are likely inflated. Yoga nidra includes spoken guidance; it is not the same as sound alone, and the app has no narrated sessions yet.
Wording we use in the app: Research on guided deep rest is promising, but methodological quality is low.
Sources (1)
Ghai ve ark. 2026 · Meta-analysis · 73 studies · 5,201 participants
A meta-analysis of 73 studies (5201 participants) of yoga nidra found moderate-to-large effects on stress and anxiety. The authors note low methodological quality and varied delivery, and say the effects are likely inflated.
Stress: g = −0.80 (active comparator), −1.70 (no comparator)
First published online in 2025.
Ghai S, Odyniec P, Ghai I. Effects of Yoga Nidra on Stress, Anxiety, and Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2026;1556(1):e70149. doi:10.1111/nyas.70149 PMID 41327816 Go to source
Last reviewed: 3 October 2026 · Next review: 3 April 2027