Comparative Effectiveness of Yoga Nidra Variants for Student Flourishing: A Three-Arm Experimental Study

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Integrated Yogic Relaxation Modules, including Yoga Nidra, in reducing anxiety and improving overall mental well-being among university students. Yoga Nidra is a guided mind–body relaxation technique that has shown potential benefits for stress reduction, emotional regulation, and psychological well-being; however, existing research is limited by small sample sizes and a lack of systematic, controlled designs.

The study will be conducted among students of IIT Delhi using a three-arm, longitudinal design implemented over three consecutive academic semesters. In each semester, 210 participants will be enrolled and allocated into three groups. Two intervention groups will receive different versions of an Integrated Yogic Relaxation Module comprising Sukshma Vyayama, Pranayama, brief high-intensity yogic practices, and a concluding Yoga Nidra session, along with Yoga-based wellness education. Sessions will be conducted twice weekly for approximately 14 weeks. A third group will serve as a no-intervention control and will continue their usual daily routines.

Across the three semesters, a total of 630 participants will be enrolled. Psychological outcomes including anxiety, stress, sleep quality, depressive symptoms, well-being, life satisfaction, peace of mind, affect, and cognitive performance will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention using validated psychometric scales and smartphone-based cognitive tasks. Ayurvedic constitutional factors (Prakriti, Vikriti, and Manas Prakriti) will also be explored as potential moderators of intervention effects.

The findings of this programmatic research are expected to inform the systematic refinement of Integrated Yogic Relaxation Modules and to identify effective, scalable Yoga-based interventions to support student mental health and well-being in a university setting.