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Yoga nidra\xa0(Sanskrit:\xa0\u092f\u094b\u0917 \u0928\u093f\u0926\u094d\u0930\u093e) or\xa0yogic sleep\xa0is a state of\xa0consciousness\xa0between waking and sleeping, like the "going-to-sleep" stage, typically induced by a\xa0guided meditation.\n\nThere is evidence that\xa0yoga nidra\xa0helps to relieve stress. An ancient technique from\xa0India, it has now spread worldwide.Yoga nidra is a state in which the body is completely relaxed, and the practitioner becomes systematically and increasingly aware of the inner world by following a set of verbal instructions. This state of consciousness is different from\xa0meditation, in which concentration on a single focus is required.In yoga nidra the practitioner remains in a state of light withdrawal of the 5 senses (pratyahara) with four senses internalised, that is, withdrawn, and only hearing still connects to any instructions given.\xa0The goals of both yogic paths, yoga nidra and meditation are the same, a state of meditative consciousness called\xa0samadhi.\nIt is among the deepest possible states of relaxation while still maintaining full consciousness. In\xa0lucid dreaming, one is only, or mainly, cognizant of the dream environment, and has little or no awareness of one's actual environment.