EFFECT OF YOG NIDRA ON SLEEP PATTERN AND STRESS MANAGEMENT OF AUTISTIC CHILDREN

Abstract

Sleep disturbances are a common concern among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), often exacerbating behavioral and cognitive challenges. This research examined the effects of Yoga Nidra on the sleep patterns of autistic children, exploring existing research and potential benefits.  This study investigated the effect of Yog Nidra, a guided meditative relaxation technique, on the sleep patterns of autistic children. A quasi-experimental design was employed involving a sample of children diagnosed with ASD aged 6 to 12 years. Participants underwent a structured Yog Nidra intervention over a period of eight weeks, with sleep quality and patterns assessed pre- and post-intervention using both caregiver-reported sleep diaries and standardized sleep assessment tools. Results indicated a statistically significant improvement in sleep onset latency, total sleep duration, and reduction in nighttime awakenings. The findings suggest that Yog Nidra may serve as a beneficial non-pharmacological approach to enhancing sleep quality in children with autism, contributing positively to their overall well-being and daily functioning. Further research with larger samples and long-term follow-up is recommended to validate and expand upon these findings.