Ayurveda for Insomnia

You feel extremely sleepy during the day, but toss and turn in bed at night, unable to sleep a wink. Or maybe you fall asleep quite easily but find yourself waking up in between and then lie wide awake for a few hours before passing into an exhausted slumber. Perhaps you sleep well for a few hours but wake up very early and the lack of sufficient sleep makes you sleepy, irritated and moody throughout the day. 

If any of these situations closely describes your sleeping pattern, don’t ignore it as a passing phase: it could be an indication of insomnia. And if you always believed insomnia to be a condition that only affects the old, think again – recent statistics suggest that about one third of all Australians suffer from insomnia.

Risks of Insomnia

Although it is generally older people who complain of sleep disturbances, insomnia is not restricted to the senior population. Even younger persons – especially those who work in shifts and those given to anxiety and depression – are equally likely to suffer from insomnia. If you’re constantly having too much to do and consequently, stressed out, it is quite likely that despite the severe exhaustion, you find it difficult to fall asleep.

Several research studies have found a significant link between lack of sleep and problems with learning, concentration and memory. What this means is that if you suffer from insomnia, you are at a greater risk for road accidents, too. If you aren’t getting enough sleep every night, you are probably constantly irritable and this can take a toll on not just your health but also on your relationships with people who matter to you.

What Causes Insomnia?

Some people suffer from health conditions such as arthritis, asthma or cancer that causes intense pain and this pain prevents them from sleeping well. People who are highly stressed, anxious or depressed or those who take certain medications or alcohol may also find it difficult to fall or stay asleep for long. In some people however, there may be sleep disturbances for no apparent reason.

Ways to Sleep Better

If you suffer from insomnia, your doctor must have advised you about the need for good sleep hygiene. This includes maintaining a regular sleep schedule with fixed times for going to bed and waking up. You also probably know you should avoid watching TV or working with your computer just before bedtime as these activities tend to stimulate the mind instead of relaxing it.

If you’ve been having sleep problems for long, you must have also tried keeping noise and light levels low and changing your mattress or pillow for greater comfort. When all these options don’t really work, most people believe the only solution is the sleeping pill. But there is another option – one that is backed by years of experience and much safer than medication – Ayurveda.

Ayurveda on Insomnia

Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine that originated in India and it relies on an understanding and treatment of the underlying cause rather than just the outward symptoms. According to Ayurveda, insomnia is a reflection of deep-seated fatigue, stress and anxiety and unless these are addressed, there cannot be a permanent cure for insomnia.

Ayurveda says that insomnia is due to an imbalance in the vata element that is controlled by air which in turn affects the functioning of the nervous system. Breathing exercises, yoga, the right diet and the use of certain specific herbs such as Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), Bacopa monnieri( Brahmi and Nardostachys jatamansi (Jatamansi) can help to reduce the proportion of the vata element and provide relief from insomnia. Ayurveda also encourages a soothing massage, with different oils that can help to relax the muscles and induce deep, undisturbed sleep.

Certain Ayurvedic treatments such as Sirodhara are highly effective for treating insomnia. This technique involves the steady dripping of medicated oils onto the affected individual’s forehead from a particular distance for a specifically calculated period of time. Most people who undergo this therapy find it to be a great stress-buster and this helps them sleep better and wake up totally refreshed.

Ayurveda considers improper digestion as one of the causes of insomnia and therefore, advises the use of certain specific spices, herbs and oils that can help improve digestion.

By a thorough assessment of your body type and your temperament, your Ayurvedic physician can help you find the right therapy to deal with insomnia. Get in touch with us today to know more about how Ayurveda can help you get a good night’s sleep without the use of sleeping pills.

On-line Consultation for Insomnia  Click Here

Dr Gurnam Singh Saini

Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery

MD Alternative Medicine

Panchkarma Detox Expert