Yoga Nidra originated in India thousands of years ago, and is said to be based on the ancient tantric practice of Nyasa. It was passed on from swami to disciple through initiation, one being Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh, who initiated his disciple Swami Satyananda Saraswati, who since popularized the method of Yoga Nidra in the Western world. Yoga Nidra, or yogic sleep, is a state of complete physical, mental, and subconscious relaxation while remaining fully conscious and aware. Through a guided visualization meditation the student is brought into a state between sleep and awake called alpha state, where muscular, emotional, and mental tensions are removed. Once the subconscious mind is relaxed, we can plant a sankalpa or positive intention, which can be used to restructure and reform the personality from within. Yoga Nidra is a highly effective practice with many benefits. One hour of Yoga Nidra can deliver the benefits of four hours of conventional sleep. Yoga Nidra creates inner peace, by relieving stress, pain, and suffering, while restoring health. It aids in overcoming habits and addictions by correcting negative thought patterns, while purifying the body and mind. It improves memory, increases knowledge, intuition, and creativity, and aids in solving life problems, which leads to personal transformation and the discovery of our true nature. Yoga Nidra is highly beneficial for pregnant women, children, and those who suffer from behavioral disorders, psychological disorders, anxiety, insomnia, addictions, pain, asthma, arthritis, colitis, peptic ulcer, cancer, heart disease, high cholesterol, hypertension, migrains, and chronic disease.