Sleep is a physiological phenomenon which is essential to regain well being which declines due to physical and mental exertion.
Ayurveda attributes the bodily humor “kapha” and the psychological humor “Tama” as the responsible factors in influencing sleep.Though,it varies according to age, health status, seasons, environment etc.
Sleep should neither be less than 5 hours and nor more than 8 hours.
• Insomnia is a condition of sleep disturbance in which there is difficulty in timely and proper sleep.In modern era, the prominent causes of disturbed sleep are stress, workload, competitiveness, unfulfilled desires, dietary habits, diseases, disturbed environment etc.
• Ayurveda takes a holistic view towards managing sleep disorders.Treatment plan is worked out on the basis of underlying causes of insomnia and its clinical manifestations
• Body mind constitution i.e Prakruti of the individual is ideally taken into consideration for prescribing lifestyle guidelines that helps to bring about psycho-physiological relaxation leading to gradual improvement in the quality and duration of sleep.It needs based treatment with the following measures is recommended for successful management of insomnia and related disorders.
• Regulation of lifestyle including diet, emotions, physical activities behaviour and sleep time. Bio-purification and physical relaxation with Panchakarma and related procedures. Use of Medhya rasayan and palliative medicine.
•Drugs like Jatamansi, Ashwagandha, Shankhapushpi, Tagara, sarpagandha should be given as per medical advice.
•Diet should be simple, nutritious, laghu (easily digestible). Meals should be timely and dinner at least two hours before going to bed.
•Avoid day sleeping , irregular and hectic daily routine, over exertion, excessive sexual indulgence and aggressive behaviour ; avoid smoking, coffee, tea alcoholic drinks and stimulants.
• Bed should be comfortable in accordance with the seasons and surroundings. Positive thinking peaceful and mentally relaxed attitude, walking after dinner, washing feet with warm water, head and feet massage with oil and drinking milk particularly buffalo milk at bed time is advisable.
~~Dr.Shrikant S.Akotkar
General Physician
Vaat Roga Expert
Diet and Nutritionist
Sneha Healthcare Clinic,
Chandrapur
