Snore During Yoga Nidra? 3 Simple Shifts to Stay Awake

BY Indu Arora3 min read • November 4, 2026

When it comes to Yoga Nidra, if you or your students are snoring, here are three factors to consider and simple shifts you can make to return to the practice.

Occasional snoring can be common in nocturnal sleep due to temporary congestion, sedatives, sleep deprivation, or certain sleeping positions. (Though if the issue persists, check with a medical professional!) 

However, when it comes to Yoga Nidra, if you or your students are snoring, here are three factors to consider and simple shifts you can make to return to the practice.

1. Practicing Yoga Nidra when you are extremely tired or fatigued can cause snoring.

• Simple Shift: Do some light joint rotations or stretches to feel refreshed and stay awake while remaining relaxed during the practice. 

2.  Mindless, habituated, or overuse of props.

• Simple Shift: Before practice, take a moment to ask, “Where do I feel discomfort today?” rather than automatically choosing the same props out of habit. Yoga Nidra is not a practice to indulge in or invite excessive tamas.

3. The classic supine body position can sometimes cause more challenges (snoring, lower back ache, joint discomfort, etc.) than benefits.

• Simple Shift: Try alternative body positions, such as:
  • Lie on your side, with a pillow beneath your head and a bolster or folded blanket between your knees for support.
  • Rest on your belly in crocodile pose, with your forehead resting on your folded arms.
  • Settle into a gently reclined position, supporting your head and upper body with bolsters or blankets, or using a recliner chair/ couch/bed . It’s okay to do that! The practice should feel like Yoga Nidra instead of merely looking like Yoga Nidra. 

3 more tips to help you avoid snoring:

1. Avoid heavy meals before practice
2. Maintain healthy sleep hygiene to prevent sleep deprivation
3. Change your position as soon as snoring starts

Above all, do not judge yourself or others! We are all human beings striving toward betterment in yoga and life.
 

Want to go deeper into Yoga Nidra? The 30-hour online training starts on March 3, 2027. Learn more and save your spot!