# Yoga Nidra - Deep Relaxation — Deep Relaxation Practice

> Guided Yoga Nidra for deep relaxation, stress relief, and improved sleep. (iPhone/iPad app by Elizabeth Papadakis.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/yoga-nidra-deep-relaxation/id430531216 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Elizabeth Papadakis](https://appshunter.io/developer/832949407)
- Category: Medical
- Price: $3.99
- Rating: 4.80/5 from 599 App Store ratings · 181 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 8.0 · 308 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2011-04-20
- Data updated: 2026-09-06
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/yoga-nidra-deep-relaxation/id430531216/reviews.md

## What is Yoga Nidra?

• Highly effective stress management tool 
• Can be used before sleep to manage insomnia 
• Useful for study and work to bring clarity and focus and to release mental tension 
• Suitable for all levels, beginners to advanced 
• 3 different lengths of guided relaxation practice, 10 min, 20 min and 30 min
• Beautiful and soothing sounds of nature to complement the practice: Forest, Ocean and Rain

Yoga Nidra is a systematic and scientific method of inducing deep and complete physical, mental and emotional relaxation. It is an ancient technique based on the time tested principles of yoga and through regular practice one can easily develop a sense of deep relaxation, calmness and peace.

Created by Madhav West, a highly experienced yoga and meditation teacher. Madhav received 4 years full time professional training at the Satyananda Yoga Academy Australia and the Bihar School of Yoga in India in Yogic Science. He is also qualified in the field of Health Science and Naturopathic Medicine.

## Key features

- Stress management tool
- Insomnia management
- Clarity and focus enhancement
- Guided relaxation sessions
- Multiple session lengths (10, 20, 30 min)
- Soothing nature sounds

## What do users think of Yoga Nidra?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 👍 Simple but effective
- 👍 Soothing voice and calming experience
- 👍 Versatile with different session lengths
- 👍 Helps with relaxation, sleep, and stress relief
- 👍 Authentic yoga nidra practice
- 👍 Portable and convenient to use anywhere

**Cons**

- 🐛 Occasional technical issues like crashes or playback problems
- 🔊 Loud background music or chanting at start/end can be disruptive
- 🕰️ Some users want even longer session options

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Playback issues on some devices
- Occasional crashes or freezes

**Most requested features**

- Longer session options (e.g. 45 minutes)
- Ability to customize or turn off background sounds
- Integration with health/sleep tracking apps

## Recent user reviews (10 of 181)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/yoga-nidra-deep-relaxation/id430531216/reviews.md

### 5/5 — 5 years Use 2-3 times a week

*2026-02-14, version 1.8*

Great addition for deep relaxation and sleep. I know you’re not meant to - but dos the trick.
Also to recharge batteries

### 1/5 — Initial take

*2026-01-21, version 1.8*

Nonsense

### 5/5 — Simple but spot on

*2026-01-07, version 1.8*

Great, simple app with extra information within.  I’ve used it for several years now  - and still my favourite.

### 5/5 — Love!

*2025-06-29, version 1.8*

I downloaded this years ago and found it so beneficial, then fell out of the habit of using it. I’ve picked it back up more recently and am cross with myself for not using it consistently. Ten minutes a day makes such a difference to my anxiety and physical symptoms of chronic illness. I highly recommend this app.

### 5/5 — Yoga Nidra - it really works

*2025-05-11, version 1.8*

I have found this App so helpful for day rests, relaxing baths and times at night when I’m struggling with insomnia. It’s very effective in slowing me down and allowing me to relax all my muscles. Highly recommend to anyone looking  to practice relaxation and rest.

### 5/5 — Deep relaxation

*2025-04-08, version 1.8*

Love the sound and the the way it was presented

### 5/5 — Great meditation

*2025-02-16, version 1.8*

After many years of practicing mindfulness and meditation, this particular one I return to regular as o e of my favourites. Soothing voice, great visualisation and relaxing nature sounds. Love the rain

### 5/5 — Deep Gratitude

*2025-01-21, version 1.8*

Hari Om. 
It is such a delight to have this gorgeous Satyananda Yoga Nidra app. I have a predisposition for stress/tension and not sleeping well and I found this app many years ago, even when I realised you fixed the left armpit because it bothered me that it was skipped and I would fixate on it. Haha! 
It was the only thing that helped me sleep well, almost guaranteed. I have had this app for so long now, but last year I went to my local Ashram (as linked in the Ajapa Japa app) where they practice Satyananda Yoga. I didn’t realise it at the time, until I was in my first Yoga Nidra session at the Ashram, that I knew the Sanskrit terminology and the routine. I was blown away. I have since learned more about the benefits of Yoga Nidra and Satyananda Yoga and why it’s important to do it every day. It truly is a mind, body, and spiritual reset and in today’s world and city living, so incredibly important. My deepest gratitude to you, Madhav, for sharing your training and experience with this part of the Satyananda philosophy and practice so that all may benefit! 🙏🏼🕉️

Also, love that you’re a fellow Australian. Your voice is very calming. 

Om 🕉️

### 5/5 — Best Yoga Nidra!

*2024-05-03*

I have LOVE to this app, I use it all the time. The cadence of the guidance is really ideal. I highly recommend it, I like it much more than other yoga nidra apps I’ve tried.

### 5/5 — Best meditation app ever

*2024-02-07, version 1.8*

Love this meditation app. So simple and really effective. Thank you.

## Frequently asked questions about Yoga Nidra

### What is Yoga Nidra?

Yoga Nidra is a systematic and scientific method for inducing deep physical, mental, and emotional relaxation. It's an ancient technique based on yoga principles that helps develop a sense of calmness and peace through regular practice.

### What are the key features of this app?

The app offers guided relaxation practices for stress management, insomnia, and focus enhancement. It includes sessions of 10, 20, and 30 minutes, complemented by soothing nature sounds like Forest, Ocean, and Rain.

### Is this app suitable for beginners?

Yes, the app is suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. The guided sessions are designed to be accessible and beneficial for anyone looking to achieve deep relaxation.

### How can this app help with sleep?

This app can be used before sleep to manage insomnia by guiding you into a state of deep relaxation. The systematic approach helps to release mental tension, promoting a calmer state conducive to sleep.

### What is the cost of this app?

Based on the provided information, this app is available for free. There are no mentions of in-app purchases or subscription fees.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.8 — 2020-01-03

The left armpit is now included in the 10 version! Thanks for the feedback.

All links updated along with a few additions to the text pages.

Now optimised for latest version of iOS on all devices

### 1.7 — 2014-06-12

- minor fixes

### 1.6 — 2014-04-27

Support for iOS 7
Fixed text/font errors
Redesign of menus with several new additions including:
FAQ, yoga training info and more

Any questions or feedback please email me: yoga.nidra.app@gmail.com

### 1.5 — 2013-04-16

- Support for iPhone 5 
- Cleaned up the guided audio instructions. Removed some background noises from the recording 

If you have enjoyed Yoga Nidra please also check out my new app 'Ajapa Japa - Deep Meditation Practice' available on the app store. This is a powerful and complete yoga meditation practice that can offer the practitioner many positive benefits.

### 1.4 — 2012-06-28

- changed some sound files
- fixed a bug where the audio would stop when the screen locks/dims 

PLEASE NOTE NEW FEATURES:

To use this app before sleep, push the play button in the middle of the screen to start the practice as usual and then LOCK the screen (press the sleep/power button on the top right of phone/ipad). By doing this the 'bell' sound and music etc will not start at the end and wake you up.

To use in the day (when you want to relax but not fall asleep after) keep the screen unlocked, leave the display on. The bell and music etc will start at the end.

Enjoy and feel free to email me for feedback. Contact details are on the author page of the app.

## More apps by Elizabeth Papadakis

- [Yoga Nidra - Relaxation Lite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/yoga-nidra-relaxation-lite/id444707986)
- [Deep Relaxation - Yoga Nidra](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/deep-relaxation-yoga-nidra/id444714072)
- [Ajapa Japa - Deep Meditation](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ajapa-japa-deep-meditation/id620304716)
- [Ajapa Japa - Meditation Lite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ajapa-japa-meditation-lite/id620306185)

All apps by Elizabeth Papadakis: https://appshunter.io/developer/832949407

## Related topics

[literie de relaxation](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/literie-de-relaxation) · [buddha relaxation](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/buddha-relaxation)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-06.*
