Ayurvedic Treatment for Insomnia: Say Goodbye to Your Sleep Problems

According to the National Sleep Foundation, you’re suffering from insomnia if you have trouble falling or staying asleep. It’s also insomnia if you wake up feeling unrefreshed.

The foundation further provides poll data that point to 48% of Americans complaining of insomnia occasionally and 22% experiencing insomnia every night or almost every other night.

Most of the insomniacs resort to sleep medication to address their sleep problem. If you’re one of them and have not seen much improvement with medication or are worried about the long term effects, you may want to give Ayurvedic treatment for insomnia a try.

Vata Imbalance

Vata is an important element within you that governs body harmony. Ayurveda states that an unbalanced Vata is the main cause of insomnia. A disturbed Vata can result from anxiety, worry, fear or restlessness. Stress, excessive exercise or sexual activity, insufficient meal intake, fasting and staying up late can all contribute to Vata imbalance.

The other cause, Ayurveda points out, is failing to organize our lives according to nature’s rhythm. Examples are staying up late and working for several nights in a stretch when you’re supposed to be sleeping.

Here are some pointers from Ayurveda that could help you fall asleep easily without resorting to medication.

Sleep Pattern

Ayurveda advises you to follow the natural sleep pattern. This means waking up when the sun rises or before that. Bedtime should not be later than 9:45 pm. You should observe this routine even on weekends or holidays. You should also avoid sleeping during the day so that it would not upset the natural sleep pattern.

Exercise

Ayurveda dictates that the best time to exercise is in the morning. Exercising in the morning will make it easier for you to fall asleep at night. If you exercise late in the evenings, you’re only raising your energy level and preparing yourself for work instead of sleep.

Food

Heavy meals and spicy foods are to be avoided at night. A light dinner is to be taken at least three hours before bedtime. Too much water or beverages after 6:30 pm is not advised, though you could consume a glass of milk before bedtime to put you in the mood for sleep.

Calm Mind and Body

Ayurveda stresses that a time for sleep preparation is essential. Between 6 pm and 10 pm you should engage in activities that calm your body and mind.

You shouldn’t let your mind worry or tax your body. Meditation, listening to music, and taking a slow walk can put you in the mood for sleep. Aromatherapy would also help, especially if lavender and sandalwood are used.

Herbal Remedies

In addition to the above, Ayurveda also recommends herbal remedies for insomnia. Oriental Medical Doctor Michael Tierra of the East West School of Planetary Herbology, California, says that herbal remedies focus on calming the Vata (nerve system) and cooling the Pitta (body heat or fire).

Herbs such as gotu kola (Hydrocotyl Asiatica) and amla (Emblica Officinalis) are useful in cooling excessive Pitta. To restore Vata balance, herbs which are spicy and warming are useful and have a positive effect on the nervous system. The calamus root is especially helpful.

Tierra says these herbs could be taken in powdered form thrice a day (a teaspoon each time) with warm water or milk. The oil of these herbs could also be applied on the head daily, half an hour before washing the head with lukewarm water.

You may want to consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before trying a Ayurvedic treatment for insomnia.

References

Ayurvedic Treatment of Insomnia - East West School of Planetary Herbology - https://www.planetherbs.com/therapies/ayurvedic-treatment-of-insomnia.html

Insomnia Natural Herbal Cure - Ayurvedic Treatment of Insomnia - https://www.ayurvedic-medicines.com/insomnia.html

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