Insomnia refers to a sleeping disorder. A person suffering from insomnia has trouble sleeping. They are unable to sleep which causes them to be a sufferer of excessive fatigue. Often this condition can be frustrating and full of discomfort. Lack of sleep decreases the body’s efficiency to work and productivity is also reduced. Sleepless nights not only make you sad but it is also responsible for various other health disorders. Firstly, the impairment of brain function occurs then the skin glow is reduced, the dark circles come and reside under the eyes, and the whole body gradually starts being dysfunctional.
As per Ayurveda insomnia is called as Anidra which means sleeplessness. The Kapha Dosha is responsible for providing healthy sleep. But when there occurs imbalance in the three Doshas, i.e., Vata Dosha and Pitta Dosha are increased and Kapha is reduced the Insomnia takes over the body.
The Ayurvedic approach to deal with the sleep disorder is to re-balance the imbalanced Doshas. The natural wake-up and sleep cycle are restored with the help of Ayurveda. Most of the disorders that occur in the body are due to our habits and choices! Due to our choices, the impurities get deposited which need to be extracted from the body. The main aim of Ayurvedic treatment of Insomnia is to modify the present living conditions and adopt a healthy lifestyle that involves natural herbs, a healthy diet, exercise routine, yoga, and meditation.
A person with Insomnia may experience the following list of symptoms. It may be one, two, or more. Everybody is different and their body’s needs are also different.
- Trouble sleeping
- Light sleep
- Waking up often and too early
- Day time tiredness
- Restlessness during the day
- Increased levels of irritation and frustration
- Anxiety or Depression
- Unable to focus
- Constant worry
Causes of Insomnia
There may be so many causes related to Insomnia. Some of the causes which are related to the sleep disorder are:
- Stress: Stress is the major contributor of all. Stress will make your life miserable and it often gives you sleepless nights. One can stress for job, career, grades, death, or separation from a loved one. This all can lead to a stressful situation in life causing insomnia.
- Work schedule: Every human has a circadian rhythm which works like an internal clock. It is responsible for the sleep-wake cycle, metabolism, and body temperature. The disruption in this rhythm can cause sleeping disorders.
- Poor sleeping habits: If you have ill habits such as an irregular bed schedule, taking mid-day naps, are into stimulating activities before bed, sleeping in an uncomfortable environment, screening time is more before bed then all these things can harm you as they act as a trigger in insomnia.
- Improper eating time: The food we eat impacts our health and if timely the diet is not taken it leads to decreased metabolism which makes the person uneasy and leads to loss of sleep. Late-night dinners are a big no! Also do not skip meals.
- Mental health: If the mindset of the person is disturbed, then also it becomes difficult for a person to fall asleep. Being anxious, depressed, or stressed will become a hindrance for you and you will have trouble sleeping.
- Medications: If you are on certain medications, they also hamper the quality of sleep. Usually, they say medicines lead to drowsiness, but not all of them as few medicines reduce the quality of your sleep.
- Medical conditions: Already existing medical conditions can be painful and discomforting which will again give you sleepless nights. The disorders like asthma, bronchitis, heart-related diseases, diabetes, and the problem with digestion. Some serious issues like surgery or cancer may also be responsible for sleep deprivation.
- Substance abuse and caffeine: The caffeine intake can make you super active which will make you sleepless. Also, consumption of alcohol, tobacco, nicotine, and drugs will no doubt make you fall asleep easily but it hampers the stages of sleep often causing you to wake up in the middle of your sound sleep.
As per the studies, females are more vulnerable to insomnia when compared with men. In general, women take more time to fall asleep; they sleep for a shorter duration and are more tired as compared to men.
Why is it that Insomnia hit harder women than men?
Causes of Insomnia in females
- Hormonal: The hormonal changes which occur in the case of women results in sleep disorders. The hormonal changes during periods, affect the sleep schedule of the women as the progesterone level lowers down and the premenstrual phase occurs. This disturbs the sleep schedule.
- During the pregnancy phase, the women undergo various changes that impact their daily routine. At the same time, numerous bodily changes become the other cause of sleep deprivation.
- Menopause is the condition when the period stops; this again is the condition in which there occurs hormonal imbalance.
- Another issue revolving around women that hinders their sleep is Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) which hampers the sleep cycle.
Now of course you have been wondering about how to cure Insomnia quickly? As you have been dealing with it for a long period and you just want it to stop! Don’t worry as this blog is all you need, it shares with you the sleeping problem solutions. Let’s read further to know more about the Ayurvedic treatment of Insomnia.
Ayurvedic treatment of Insomnia
First, of all let’s know about the Ayurvedic herbs which will make a great amount of difference in your living.
Ayurvedic Herbs
- Ashwagandha: It is the most potent adaptogen which helps the body to adapt the stress naturally thereby calming the body and mind. It helps by supporting the deeper sleep in the affected person. It can be consumed in the form of powder or tea.
- Indian Tinospora: This herb is known to provide nourishment to the tired and overused brain. Additionally, it enhances immunity. This herb has shown remarkable results in sleeping disorder ayurvedic treatment as it helps with the symptoms of sleep deprivation.
- Brahmi: It is a tonic for the brain as it promotes a good night sleep. It calms down the brain’s activity, helping the brain to function properly. Further, it also helps in providing peace during emotional outbreaks hence aiding in sound sleep.
- Jatamanasi: It has antioxidant properties which prevent cell damage to the brain. It is known to improve memory and also helps to manage anxiety. You can consume it to improve your conditions.
- Shankhpushpi: It helps in tackling insomnia as it reduces stress. If you want to have peaceful sleep, mix the powdered form in milk and have it. For better results consume it daily.
- Indian valerian: It can improve sleep. It tends to decrease the time that takes to fall asleep and hence prevents you from stress. Moreover, its intake will provide you with more sound and restful sleep.
- Vacha: It is a cool Ayurvedic herb that relaxes the nerves and induces sleep making the life of the person easy and tension free. It has a calming effect on the nervous system.
- Sarpagandha: It has sedative properties which help the overused brain to relax and calm down. It is very useful for the mind and provides the person with deep sleep.
Panchakarma Therapy for Insomnia
This therapy is based on providing holistic well-being. A person who is suffering from insomnia needs to relax and calm down; here the Panchakarma comes to the rescue. To work against the root cause it fabulously helps the insomnia sufferers.
Now let’s read about it more!
- Basti (Medicated enema): Often gut health is responsible for insomnia. If already there is some problem with your health you will face trouble while sleeping. This technique is used to detoxify the colon region by balancing the Vata Dosha and it also purifies the intestinal region.
- Shirodhara (Head massage): It is an excellent Ayurvedic treatment for insomnia as it relieves the person from tension and stress. It relaxes the nervous system and soothes the nerves providing a calming effect on the body and mind. This technique involves pouring the medicated ghee very slowly on the forehead of the person. It is followed by a gentle massage that eases the body of the person.
- Shiroabhyanga (Head massage): This step involves the therapeutic massage on the head with herbal oils. It calms the nervous system and the oils used here are personalized according to your condition and symptoms. The focus here is that the head, scalp, and hair roots absorb the natural oil.
- Padabhyanga (Feet massage): This step aims to stimulate the vital marma points present in the feet as they soothe the pressure points and eventually provide a calming effect to the body and autonomic nervous system.
- Abhyanga (Body massage): This step involves a full-body therapeutic massage with natural herbal oils. The energy centres are gently pressed and massaged. The blocked channels are cleared. It detoxifies the body by purifying it. In all, it benefits the body, mind, and soul.
Don’t worry we are here for you, and we care! Consult us for further details and queries.
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