Ayurveda For Insomnia

Insomnia is the name of the condition in which the person has trouble falling or staying asleep.  The person may complain of inadequate or poor quality of sleep waking up frequently during the night and difficulty in returning to sleep or waking up too early in the morning and feeling un-refreshed. Lack of sleep can make the person irritable and dull during the day. 

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Ayurveda and Insomnia

According to Ayurveda, the mind-body constitution of a person determines the amount of sleep required. People with kapha constitution need just about eight or nine hours of sleep. People of Pitta constitution need seven to eight hours of sleep. Persons of Vata constitution need only about six to seven hours of sleep.  The age of the person is also a factor that determines the hours of sleep required which decreases with advancing age. The aggravation of vata dosha is also responsible for poor sleep or insomnia.

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Insomnia Causes

Insomnia is caused due to the disturbance of vata dosha which mostly leads to nervousness, anxiety, worry, etc. This can lead to constipation or improper digestion which may result in insomnia.

• Fever, infection, or nervous weakness
• Worry, tension, depression and stress
• Overwork and excessive thinking
• Stomach discomfort resulting from overeating
• Temporary cases of sleeplessness may be due to some external source of irritation or pain
• Uncomfortable surroundings like insufficient covering in winter or sleeping in places with improper ventilation
• Disturbance of daily routine
• Certain drugs or stimulants may also cause insomnia 

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Ayurveda herbal Remedies For Insomnia

Ayurveda recommends the use of herbs such as Amla and Gotu kola as they provide a cooling effect to the body. Calamus root is especially helpful as it restores vata imbalance calming the nervous system. Aromatherapy is also recommended to relax the body and mind. Mild exercise like taking walks and practicing mediation are other activities that can help in curing insomnia. Avoid all forms of mental tension.

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Home Remedies for curing Insomnia 

• Drink a glass of warm milk after adding a tablespoon of honey at bedtime. Sweetened warm milk is a good tranquilizer and induces a relaxed sleep.
• Lettuce is believed to be extremely beneficial in curing insomnia. One tablespoon of lettuce seeds is boiled in half a liter of water for 7 to 10 minutes. Drink this before going to bed.
• Soak yourself for about 10 minutes in the water in which a few drops of lavender oil are added before going to bed for overall relaxation.
• Mix half a cup of bottle gourd juice to half a cup of sesame oil. Use this oil for a relaxing head massage with this oil to get a sound and restful sleep.