Sleep Rules As Per Ayurveda

Do you have irregular sleeping patterns? Falling asleep can be difficult. If you are unlucky, you may want to sleep in the middle of the night. Or wanting to sleep longer than is physically possible, or sleeping too much (which can also be a problem). In fact, sleep disruption can be frustrating and debilitating, and it can be very difficult to get back on track. But with the right tools, finding and restoring balance is easy. Ayurveda’s timeless art of living offers a refreshingly simple and practical approach to balancing sleep cycles. This blog will take you on your way to some helpful Ayurvedic tools to help you regain your balance.

According to Ayurveda, sleep is the basic instinct of life that is necessary for all living beings. It is essential for physical, mental, and spiritual renewal and regeneration. In Ayurveda, or Nidra, sleep is one of the three pillars of good health. Next comes the principle of food (ahara) and sexual energy (brahmacharya). How our sleep can upset us, leave us feeling weak, and make it seem impossible to get back on track But finding and restoring balance can be done with the right tools. As an ancient science of life, Ayurveda is an incredibly accurate and effective way to manage your sleep cycles.

Some Rules For Sleep As Per Ayurveda

  • Prioritise sleep like you prioritise brushing your teeth in the morning. It’s important to go to bed between 10:00 and 11:00 PM for your body to function in a healthy way.
  • Never resist the urge to sleep. It can cause gut imbalance, lethargy, and headaches!
  • Massage feet with warm or room-temperature sesame oil to sleep better at night. This is called “PADABHYANGAM”.
  • Always wear loose and comfortable clothes while going to sleep; this helps you fall asleep faster and better. Always sleep in a clean and comfortable environment; it is better to sleep in complete darkness for your circadian rhythm to function well.
  • A good night’s sleep is the source of happiness and better strength. If you sleep well daily, you are less likely to be irritable, worried, or anxious! But this must be practised daily and consistently.
  • There is no such thing as compensating for a weekday’s sleep deprivation with weekend sleep. This practise hampers your biological clock and can lead to poor digestion, energy imbalances, and hormone imbalances.

Ayurveda and sleep

Ayurveda focuses on the three principles of health: ahara (health), vihara (way of life), and nidra (sleep). Not surprisingly, sleeping and eating are the same thing. According to the text of the Charaka Samhita, “Happiness, nourishment, strength, manliness, wisdom, and vitality contribute to good sleep”. We all envy that one friend who sleeps stressed out. In fact, each person has a unique Ayurvedic constitution made up of doshas (energy principles) that can be out of balance. It affects our health and sleep. Where do you fit in the Ayurvedic hat? How do you feel about yourself?

Lack of sleep can be physical, tamas (lethargy), kapha (mental or physical excitement), illness and stress, poor diet and lifestyle, and a period.

  • Excessive sleep; normally Kapha imbalance
  • Insomnia: disruptions in quantity or quality of sleep; normally Vata or Pitta imbalance (esp. Vata).

Ayurveda and Dreams

  • Vata dreams, or dreams with too many Vata, are classified according to their actions and behaviours, such as falling, running, feeling frozen in fear, attacking, chasing, or closing.
  • Pitta dreams, or dreams with an excess of pitta, are divided into intensity and focus, such as intellectual activity, problem solving, studying, or teaching. These include difficult feelings like shame, anger, and aggression.
  • Kapha dreams, or dreams with too much kapha, are associated with emotions such as love, desire, and wish fulfilment, as well as physical and emotional attraction. They forget their dreams.

Sleeping disorders and Ayurveda

Despite their different forms, sleep disorders are constantly present in the modern world. The most common problem is insomnia (lack of sleep or difficulty sleeping) or fatigue despite quality sleep. These can often be misinterpreted. It can be solved by using Ayurvedic medicines and a healthy lifestyle. Insomnia is one of the most frequently mentioned diseases.

Ayurvedic herbs for better sleep

  • Brahmi
  • Vacha
  • Ashwagandha
  • Jatamansi
  • Valerian
  • Shankhapushpi
  • Jyotishmati