Insomnia
Explanation
Insomnia is a sleeping disorder which is mostly characterized by the difficulty in falling asleep, often waking up in the middle of the night and waking up at early hours and feeling tired even after waking up. Primary insomnia is where the person has sleep problems which are not related to any health issues whereas secondary insomnia is where the sleep problems are due to health issues.
Reasons/Causes
Along with stress and emotional or physical discomfort if there is an improper diet then sleeping patterns are disturbed. Environmental factors like excessive exposure to noise and light can be one cause which interferes with the normal sleeping schedule. Excessive intake of caffeine and taking long breaks in between meals may result in sleeplessness. Depression and anxiety or pain may cause disturbance in sleep.
Signs/Symptoms
Insomnia as per Ayurvedic Concept
Ayurveda considers insomnia as an indication of nervous diseases which is likely to result in people with irregular digestion, constipation, irregular eating habits. Ayurveda focuses on the quality of the sleep.
Ayurveda distinguishes insomnia as vata insomnia and pitta type insomnia. Pitta insomnia occurs between 10 in the night to 2 in the midnight. It results from working late at night. Vata insomnia results for short duration of time and is characterized by restlessness and the inability to fall asleep. Vata is sensitive to electromagnetic fields hence the patients should not sleep near any electronic device.
Sirodhana is practised to get relief from the mental tension and exhaustion. Oil and milk is mixed and is massaged on the forehead of the patient to help get rid of anxiety and stress.
Indian sorrel is a natural sleep inducer and can be taken in the form of juice before going to bed. Rauwolfia is another drug to cure sleep disorders. Ayurvedic herbs include celery, ashwagandha, Brahmi, jatamansi, passion flower and chamomile. Nasya oil is also helpful in curing vata insomnia.
Lifestyle Guide & Recommended Diet
Homemade Therapies
Warm milk with cardamom, cinnamon and ghee before going to bed is advisable.
Daily abhyanga with vata insomnia oil is very helpful.
Soles of the foot should be massaged with warm Bhringaraj oil or mustard oil before going to bed.
In one glass of water mix 2 table spoon of honey and consume it before going to bed.
Insomnia is a sleeping disorder which is mostly characterized by the difficulty in falling asleep, often waking up in the middle of the night and waking up at early hours and feeling tired even after waking up. Primary insomnia is where the person has sleep problems which are not related to any health issues whereas secondary insomnia is where the sleep problems are due to health issues.
Reasons/Causes
Along with stress and emotional or physical discomfort if there is an improper diet then sleeping patterns are disturbed. Environmental factors like excessive exposure to noise and light can be one cause which interferes with the normal sleeping schedule. Excessive intake of caffeine and taking long breaks in between meals may result in sleeplessness. Depression and anxiety or pain may cause disturbance in sleep.
Signs/Symptoms
- Difficulty falling asleep at night
- Waking up during the night
- Waking up too early
- Day time fatigue and sleepiness
- Day time irritability
Insomnia as per Ayurvedic Concept
Ayurveda considers insomnia as an indication of nervous diseases which is likely to result in people with irregular digestion, constipation, irregular eating habits. Ayurveda focuses on the quality of the sleep.
Ayurveda distinguishes insomnia as vata insomnia and pitta type insomnia. Pitta insomnia occurs between 10 in the night to 2 in the midnight. It results from working late at night. Vata insomnia results for short duration of time and is characterized by restlessness and the inability to fall asleep. Vata is sensitive to electromagnetic fields hence the patients should not sleep near any electronic device.
Sirodhana is practised to get relief from the mental tension and exhaustion. Oil and milk is mixed and is massaged on the forehead of the patient to help get rid of anxiety and stress.
Indian sorrel is a natural sleep inducer and can be taken in the form of juice before going to bed. Rauwolfia is another drug to cure sleep disorders. Ayurvedic herbs include celery, ashwagandha, Brahmi, jatamansi, passion flower and chamomile. Nasya oil is also helpful in curing vata insomnia.
Lifestyle Guide & Recommended Diet
- Follow the same sleeping patterns by limiting small naps.
- Avoid caffeine, nicotine, alcohol as they cause restlessness.
- Exercise regularly and follow cognitive therapy and avoid eating and drinking before going to bed.
- Have salads and brown rice.
- Light dinner at least 3 hours before going to bed is advisable.
- Brahmi tea during the day and Brahmi milk at night is advisable.
- Body massage is also helpful.
Homemade Therapies
Warm milk with cardamom, cinnamon and ghee before going to bed is advisable.
Daily abhyanga with vata insomnia oil is very helpful.
Soles of the foot should be massaged with warm Bhringaraj oil or mustard oil before going to bed.
In one glass of water mix 2 table spoon of honey and consume it before going to bed.