Ayurveda Medicine for Insomnia – Sleep Disorders
What Is Insomnia?
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder known as sleeplessness or trouble sleeping disorder. It makes it hard for the person to fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up too early and unable to get back to sleep. At last, when the person woke up, they felt very much tired. It gradually affects the person’s energy level and mood, health conditions, work performance, and quality of life.
Causes and Symptoms of Insomnia (Sleep Disorders)
Insomnia is the primary problem or may be associated with other medical, physiological, or psychological conditions.
Common causes of chronic insomnia include,
- Stressful life/trauma
- Changing travel/work schedule
- Poor sleep habits (irregular bedtime)
- Late-night dinner
It is also associated with some medical conditions/drugs. They are,
- Mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.
- Medications – antidepressants, counter medications (pain/allergic medications, etc.)
- Medical conditions – chronic pain, GERD, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, heart diseases, etc.
- Sleep-related disorder – sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome
Caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol consumption.
According to age,
- In older people, changes in sleep patterns, changes in activities, changes in health, and medications increase the chance of insomnia.
- Children and teens have trouble getting to sleep or resist a regular bedtime because their internal clock is more delayed. They prefer to go to bed and sleep in later in the morning.
In insomnia, the person has sleep-related difficulties and daytime problems
- Difficulty in falling asleep
- Difficulty in having continuous sleep throughout the night
- Troubles / unwanted early morning wakeup
- Tiredness or sleepiness in day time
- Irritability, stress, anxiety or depression
- Attention issues/lack of focus
If it persists long, it may influence health conditions and contribute to aggressiveness or hyperactivity, especially in children.
Treatment and Remedies for Insomnia In Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, insomnia is termed as Anidra. Typically, kapha is responsible for healthy, sound sleep. When there is an imbalance in 3 humors. Sleep gets disturbed. An increase in vatha and pithy humor and a decrease in kapha humor results in insomnia.
On the other hand, insomnia is caused due to the imbalance in the vatha dosha. Vatha is responsible for the body’s movement and helps regulate the nervous system. When it gets imbalanced, irritability of the mind, anxiety, and restlessness occur, thus resulting in insomnia.
So initially, the first line of treatment should be normalizing the three humors. After that, internal medicines, in which sleep-inducing herbs containing medicines can be prescribed to the patient.
External therapies like vasti, sirodhara, siroabhyanga, padhabhyanga, and abhyanga help treat insomnia. Dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, and incorporating practices like yoga and meditation can also be recommended to help calm the mind and promote relaxation.
Herbs Used in Ayurveda Medicine for Insomnia
- Brahmi is known for its calming properties and is a powerful brain tonic. Brahmi helps relax the mind and improve sleep quality. It’s often used in Ayurvedic medicine to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that helps the body adapt to stress and promotes relaxation. It can help soothe the nervous system and support better sleep. Ashwagandha is highly effective, along with sugar, ghee, and warm milk.
- Vasambu is also called sweet flag or Acorus calamus, and it is effective for insomnia. Vasambu is believed to have sedative effects, which can aid in inducing sleep and calming the mind. It is also used in the treatment of various ailments such as epilepsy, headache, etc.
- Jadamanjil, also known as Spikenard, is valued for its relaxing and sleep-promoting properties. It is a sedative and has been found to have high levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin. It eases tension and promotes a sense of peace to relieve sleep disorders.
- Athimadhuram, or Licorice root, is used in Ayurveda for its calming effects on the mind and body. It helps relieve stress and anxiety, promoting better sleep.
- Sankupushpi, or Convolvulus pluricaulis is a natural sedative that will help to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. It is traditionally used to improve memory and cognitive function. It also has calming properties that can help in treating insomnia and promoting restful sleep.
These herbs can be consumed in different forms, such as teas, capsules, or tinctures. They are often used in combination to enhance their sleep-inducing effects. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating any herbal remedies into your routine, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
Benefits of using Ayurveda Medicine for Insomnia
Are you struggling with sleepless nights? Ayurvedic medicine might hold the key to your peaceful slumber. Ayurveda is an excellent way to treat insomnia and sleep disorders. It helps maintain the body’s equilibrium by balancing 3 humors, decreases stress and anxiety, promotes good digestion, normalises hormonal levels, and helps to maintain a disciplined sleep schedule. Here’s why it’s worth considering:
- Natural Remedies: Ayurvedic medicine harnesses the power of natural ingredients like herbs, roots, and spices. These gentle remedies work with your body to promote relaxation and balance without the risk of harsh side effects.
- Holistic Approach: Unlike quick-fix solutions, Ayurveda takes a holistic approach to insomnia. It considers your unique constitution, lifestyle, and sleep patterns to address the root causes of your sleep troubles rather than just masking the symptoms.
- Stress Reduction: Ayurvedic treatments focus on reducing stress and calming the mind. With stress often being a significant contributor to insomnia, Ayurvedic herbs and therapies help soothe your nervous system, making it easier to drift off into deep, restorative sleep.
- Improved Digestion: Believe it or not, digestion plays a significant role in sleep quality, according to Ayurveda. By improving digestion through dietary adjustments and herbal supplements, Ayurvedic medicine can alleviate discomfort that may disrupt sleep.
- Balanced Energy: Ayurveda emphasises the importance of balancing your body’s energy, or doshas. When your doshas are in harmony, you experience a sense of calm and stability that naturally enhances your ability to fall and stay asleep.
- Long-term Solutions: Instead of providing temporary relief, Ayurvedic medicine aims to address the underlying imbalances causing your insomnia. By promoting overall health and well-being, Ayurveda offers sustainable solutions for achieving consistent, restful sleep.
If you’re tired of tossing and turning at night, consider exploring the benefits of Ayurvedic medicine for insomnia. Its gentle, holistic approach could be the key to unlocking the deep, rejuvenating sleep you’ve longed for.
Ayurveda’s Dietary Recommendations for Insomnia
WHAT TO EAT:
- Warm milk, particularly after dinner, is a general sleep stimulant.
Turmeric milk definitely will help.
- Drinking warm water with ghee can soothe the mind and promote restful sleep.
- Melatonin-rich foods include tart cherries, tomatoes, pomegranates, grapes, cucumbers, etc.
- Green leaves and bananas also act as natural relaxants and aid in deep sleep.
- Magnesium-rich foods such as bananas, nuts and seeds, fish, and avocados also aid in having good sleep.
WHAT NOT EAT:
- Coffee, chocolate, energy drinks
- Spicy and saturated foods
- Sugary and junk foods
- Alcohol
- High-fatty food substances
There are specific health tips for improving sleep quality, helping to get rid of stress, and acting as an immune booster. They are,
- Maintain a disciplined sleep schedule
- Mindful eating
- Oil massage
- Pranayama
- Practice self-compassion
- Regular exercise for good sleep
Lifestyle Recommendations for Insomnia
- Set a sleep schedule
- Use the bed only for sleep and sex
- Avoid taking naps
- Limit caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco
- Early dinner
- Avoid screen time before bed
- Keep the bedroom dark and quiet
- Try relaxing activities (reading a book, taking a warm bath, meditating, etc).
