Difficulty in sleeping, difficulty to stay asleep, waking up too soon and unable to return to sleep is commonly termed as Insomnia. Sleep deprivation will make us tired alongside sapping our energy level thereby affecting our state of mind, health, work life and personal life.
Short-term (acute) insomnia is experienced by some adults that results from stress or a traumatic event. It may also be associated with other medical conditions or medications.
Causes of Sleeplessness
There are many reasons that cause sleeplessness in acute conditions namely :
- Stress
- Upsetting or traumatic event
- Sleep habit changes, like sleeping in a hotel or new home
- Physical pain
- Certain medications
Chronic insomnia lasting for at least 3 months may be either primary or secondary. Primary insomnia has no underlying causes. Conditions accompanying Secondary insomnia are:
- Psychological issues, such as anxiety or depression
- Substance use
- Sleep apnea
- Diabetes
Symptoms for Sleeplessness
Symptoms of sleeplessness may include:
- Difficulty to fall asleep
- Waking up in-between sleep
- Waking up too early
- Not feeling rested after a night’s sleep
- Daytime tiredness or sleepiness
- Irritability, depression or anxiety
- Difficulty to pay attention, to focus on tasks or remembering
- Increased errors or accidents
- Worries about sleep
The Ayurvedic Explanation
In ayurveda, Insomnia is known as anidra (absence of sleep) and alpanidratha (broken sleep) in ayurveda. Vatha vitiation or a vatha predominant condition represents Anidra or absence of rest. Pitha humor vitiation results in alpanidratha.
Ojas is maintained by a proper sleeping pattern. Clinical conditions related to insomnia are Anidratha and alpanidratha.
Ayurveda Treatment for Sleeplessness
Diet, lifestyle changes, and the use of herbal remedies are highly recommended for the Ayurvedic treatment and include the following:
Panchakarma
A famous treatment method in Ayurveda is Panchakarma which contains herbal massages and cleansing enemas with five steps for the detoxification and rejuvenation of mind and body.
Abhyanga
Massaging in circular motions with stimulating oils like Bhringaraj, Til Taila on the Shira (head) boosts the circulation of blood to the central nervous system helping to overcome sleeplessness.
Samvahana
Full body massage with silk and fluffy brushes along with aromatic essential oils such as almond, rose, jasmine, lavender and sandalwood followed by a pacifying steam bath revives the body thereby improving sleep.
Medhya Rasayana
Flowering plants, such as Ashwagandha, Tulsi, Yashtimadhu, Brahmi, Mandukaparni falls under Medhya Rasayana that rejuvenates brainpower. the neuprotective nature of these herbs restores sleep, enhance memory and cognition if consumed prior to bedtime.
Diet Practices
Following items should be avoided:
- Large, high-fat meals
- Caffeine
- Alcohol at bedtime
- Too many fluids before bedtime
One has to stick to a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, grains and low fat proteins.
