One of the most fundamental elements of human physiology is Nidra (sleep). Along with Ahara (food) and Brahmacharya (celibacy), it is regarded as one of the three foundations of wellness. Getting enough sleep is necessary for good health and longevity. According to Acharya Charaka, the individual sleeps, when the Manas (mind), including the Indriyas (sense organs), are weary and dissociated. According to the Sushruta Samhita, getting enough sleep improves complexion, vigor, enthusiasm, digestive fire, and overall dhatus balance. Sleep deprivation causes the opposite effect. Sleeping at an inconvenient time, or sleeping too much or too little, is not recommended. Sleeping during the day elevates Vata, whereas staying up at night elevates Kapha.
Sleep disturbances can be caused by a poor lifestyle, mental strain, altered eating habits, and stress, all of which disrupt the quality of sleep. Nidranasha (sleeplessness) is described in Ayurveda as a symptom, a disorder, and even an aggravator of certain ailments. Body soreness, heaviness in the head, yawning, dullness, lethargy, and giddiness are all associated with the Vata derangement which is caused due to the lack of sleep. According to Ayurveda, one should sleep at the right time for the right duration at night.
Sleeping during the day in any season other than summer is not recommended since it induces Kapha and Pitta vitiation. Anorexia, indigestion or reduction in digestive power, stiffness, anemia, itching, burning sensation, vomiting, impairment of cardiac functions, stiffness, drowsiness or sleepiness, the appearance of nodules, weakness, the reddish coloration of urine and eyes, and a coating over the palate are all complications which arise due to sleeping in the day. According to Ayurveda, Kapha dominates during one's childhood and Vata prevails in old age, which explains why sleeping becomes more difficult as you get older.
Ayurveda is acknowledged as being the first adaptor of 'bio time' and its significance in promoting quality sleep with personalized medicine.
Most of us divide our days into three components: work, personal time, and sleep, with work taking up the most time, and hence a quality sleep is essential to maintain the balance of the three components.
The day is divided into six zones of four hours each in Ayurveda, with one of the three doshas predominate in each zone; one day zone, and one night zone for each of the three doshas. We need to maintain our daily rhythms tuned to the age-old ayurvedic clock to live a balanced life—and enjoy the wonderful health benefits that come with it.
Are you mentally/physically stressed and as a result finding it hard to sleep at night? Well, it is time for you to consult AVPRF Ayurveda Speciality Clinics then, one of the leading Ayurveda speciality clinics in Coimbatore. The doctors at AVPRF will help you to align yourself to the basic ayurvedic sleep clock which will ultimately improve your quality of mental and physical health.
Author:
GOTRA- Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic
AVPRF Speciality Clinics
Suggested reading:
https://www.jaims.in/index.php/jaims/article/view/1270
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sleep-newzzz/202008/the-sleep-benefits-ayurvedic-medicine