How to Treat Insomnia (Sleeplessness) in Ayurveda?

insomnia

What is Insomnia?

Sleep is a natural time for the mind and body to rest, detoxify, reset and rejuvenate. In terms of overall health, sleep is at par with eating as it is essential to both cognitive and physiological functioning. But, sometimes due to certain factors, our internal biological rhythms get disturbed which results in much sleep or too little sleep.

Insomnia is the most common complaints faced by people all over the world. It is characterized by difficulty in sleeping, which may include falling asleep, maintaining sleep or a combination of both. Insomnia results in fatigue, lack of energy and difficulty in concentrating in day to day activities. Women are affected more than men. Insomnia affects elderly population as well.

It is observed that psychiatric and physical illnesses have a strong correlation with insomnia.

Many people experience short term insomnia known as acute insomnia, which lasts for days or weeks which is the result of any traumatic event or stress.

But, some people have long term insomnia known as chronic insomnia that lasts for several weeks or months.

It may be a primary problem or may be associated with medical conditions or certain medications.

Getting good sleep is very important for health as the body rejuvenates and repairs itself while we are asleep.

What are the Symptoms of Insomnia?

  • Difficulty in falling asleep at night
  • Not feeling good or well-rested after a night’s sleep
  • Tiredness in the day time
  • Waking up during the night
  • Irritability
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Difficulty in concentrating on the tasks or remembering things
  • Increased errors or accidents

What are the Causes of Insomnia?

  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Tumors
  • Asthma
  • Cancer
  • Hormonal disturbances in women
  • Wrong lifestyle such as: eating too much late in the evening
  • Excessive intake of caffeine, nicotine and alcohol
  • Aging
  • Menopause in women

What are the Consequences of Insomnia?

Human body craves sleep for good reason and there are serious health risks associated with sleep loss.

Sleep deprivation leads to:

  • Impairment of cognitive ability
  • Increases the incidence of depression
  • Causes weight gain and obesity
  • Decreases libido
  • Impairs the judgment capacity

What are the Causes of Insomnia According to Ayurveda?

Insomnia is explained as “Anidra” in Ayurveda. It is caused due to the imbalance of Kapha and Vata dosha. Low Kapha dosha and high Vata dosha cause insomnia.

Ayurvedic approach for insomnia is largely focused on returning the balance by opposing any sleep-disrupting influences. Ayurveda also balances the body’s natural circadian rhythms and nervous system by reducing stress. The goal of Ayurvedic treatment for treating insomnia is to foster a natural and sound sleep.

What is the Treatment of Insomnia?

Planet Ayurveda offers effective herbal remedies like Ashwagandha Capsules, Sarpagandha Ghan Vati and Sleep Naturals for the treatment of sleeplessness (insomnia) naturally. The herbs used in these herbal remedies are safe, effective and non-habit forming.

1. Ashwagandha Capsules

Planet Ayurveda’s Ashwagandha Capsules are prepared from the extract of Withania somnifera. This plant contains various alkaloids and steroidal lactones. It helps in dealing stress by reducing cortisol (stress hormone) levels in the body. It possesses properties that help in reducing and repairing damage to the brain cells. Ashwagandha is well known for balancing Vata dosha in the body. Hence, it induces sleep and acts as an excellent dietary supplement for insomnia.

Dose: 1-2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

2. Sarpgandhaghan vati

Planet Ayurveda’s Sarpagandha Vati is a traditional Ayurvedic preparation which is used in the treatment of lack of sleep, hypertension, anxiety and heart disorders. It induces good sleep and reduces stress and strain. This medicine not only helps in insomnia but also useful in heart disorders as well.

Dose: 1-2 tablets twice daily with plain water after meals.

3. Sleep Naturals

Planet Ayurveda’s Sleep Naturals is a combination of various herbs that are used to induce sleep in a natural way. These ingredients help in relieving stress as well and are very useful in sleep disorders such as: insomnia.

Dose: 1-2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

General Guidelines

In addition to these herbal remedies, there are various health tips for insomnia. There are many natural methods to induce good sleep. These are:

  • For a good and sound sleep, stay stress free because stress is a major cause of sleeplessness. Therefore, it is necessary to forget stress before going to bed.
  • Massage with oil on the scalp as well as on feet. Massage relaxes the mind and helps in releasing stress. Therefore, it helps in stress free and sound sleep.
  • Taking warm milk at night is helpful in sound sleep. But, avoid the intake of heavy and spicy food as it disrupts sound sleep.
  • Wear light and comfortable clothes while sleeping. Listening light and soothing music is also beneficial.
  • Stay positive before going to bed. Remind the activities that have been done in a day and say sorry for the wrong deeds and give credit to yourself for the good work done by you in the whole day and sleep with a peaceful mind.