[en] The cross sections for deactivation of the Na 5s-9s and n = 5--8 manifold (l > or = 2) states by N₂ have been measured using a laser-induced fluorescence approach. The cross sections are: 6s, 84(8) A²; 7s, 82(9) A²; 8s, 91(8) A²; 9s, 104(10) A²; five manifold, 43(7) A²; six manifold, 36(8) A²; seven manifold, 32(7) A²; and eight manifold, 18(6) A². The s-state cross sections are in qualitative agreement with a curve-crossing model. The decrease of the manifold cross sections with n is attributed to the increasing multiplicity of the manifold with n