Sleep Disorder Ayurvedic Treatment

Insomnia is the condition characterised by feeling difficulty to falling asleep, keeping awake in between sleep, or sleeplessness. The person does not feel refreshed after getting up from sleep. It interferes with the quality of life and productivity. The usual causes are stress, habits that disturb sleep (eg: using mobile in bed, watching TV etc), changes in the time zones (due to travel), late night works, late dinner etc. Medicines for psychological issues, antihypertensives, anti-asthmatics, pain killers, weight loss drugs, some medicines for allergy etc and some diseases (like cancer, diabetes) also cause insomnia. Other reasons are aging; excess intake of coffee, tea, alcohol; lack of exercise and changes in sleep pattern.

Sleep Disorder Signs and Symptoms

The common symptoms of insomnia are difficulty to fall asleep, waking up in between small sleeps, waking up very early in the morning, unsatisfactory sleep/ feeling sleepy in the day, irritability, stress, lack of concentration etc.

Sleep Disorder Ayurvedic Analysis

As per Ayurveda, nidra (sleep) is produced by kapha dosha. Hence, alpanidrata (reduced sleep) or anidrata/ nidranasha (lack of sleep) are caused by vitiation of kapha and increased vata. Ayurveda states that, nidra should not be suppressed as it is essential for maintaining good health. Nidranasha causes confusion, heaviness to eyes and head, excess yawning, tiredness and body aches.

Sleep Disorder Causative Factors (Ayurveda)

Kapha is reduced by excess activity, increased travelling, over-consumption of food that increases vata (eg: bitter/ astringent/ pungent tastes, dry food, skipping meals etc), excess alcohol intake, over thinking/ stress etc.

Possible Complications of Sleep Disorder Disease

Reduced quality of life, increased risk of accidents, problem with relationships, lack of concentration etc are the major complications.

Other systemic diseases and precautions to be taken

Consider other diseases (like hypertension, mental disorders etc) and medications before planning treatment.

Sleep Disorder

Understand the cause of insomnia and treat accordingly. If it is not associated with other diseases or medications, then bring the Tridosha in balanced state. Remove the blockages in the channels using appropriate medicines. Snehana (oil application and massage), swedana (sudation therapy), nasya (nasal instillation of medicine) along with nourishing food, anti-stress therapies, yoga, meditation, psychotherapy are provided.

Diet

The diet should include more nuts, milk, curd, sweet fruits, meat etc. Reduce the intake of spicy, hot, light food, buttermilk, bitter/ astringent/ pungent tastes.

Exercise

Regular exercise improves sleep. Yoga and meditation are also beneficial.

Sleep Disorder Preventive Aspects in Ayurveda

Exercise regularly. Apply suitable oil all over the body (especially at the feet and head) and massage the body before bath. Use cold water for washing head. Take dinner before 8 o’ clock. Avoid using mobile phones/ watching TV or computer at least 1 hour before going to bed. Take a bath/ wash the feet before bedtime. Eat healthy light meals and drink a cup of hot milk at night. Avoid alcohol, coffee, tea after dusk. Night shift workers should take a nap at least 2 hours before duty, and ensure adequate sleep during day time. Reduce stress or anxiety and quit smoking. Avoid day-sleeping.

Importance of Diet

Avoid food that increase vata. Consume more nuts, milk and dairy products. Nourishing diet is essential for good sleep.

Lifestyle

Follow a regular bed time. Avoid mobile phone/ TV/computer at least 1 hour before sleep. Drink a glass of hot milk at bed time. Take dinner at least 3 hours before sleep. Use a comfortable room, bed, pillow and sheets for sleep. Massage feet with suitable oil before going to bed. Do not take coffee/ tea/ chocolate/ alcohol at night. Cooling pranayama can be done on a regular basis. Exercise daily. Avoid mental stress. Do not skip meals at night.