Management of Stress Induced Insomnia Through Ayurveda

ISSN: 2320-5407 Int. J. Adv. Res.
10(08), 444-448
Journal Homepage: - www.journalijar.com
Article DOI: 10.21474/IJAR01/15197

DOI URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.21474/IJAR01/15197
RESEARCH ARTICLE
MANAGEMENT OF STRESS INDUCED INSOMNIA THROUGH AYURVEDA
Dr. Shailej Gupta1 and Dr. Rishu Sharma2

1. Associate Prof., Dept. of Panchkarma, GAMC, Akhnoor, Jammu.
2. Asst. Prof., Dept. of Panchkarma, GAMC, Akhnoor, Jammu.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………....
Manuscript Info Abstract
……………………. ………………………………………………………………
Manuscript History Urbanization and modernization together are the contributors to
Received: 07 June 2022 lifestyle diseases. This lifestyle impacts on health and well-being. Sleep
Final Accepted: 14 July 2022 is one among the best elixir and tonic of life. It is a natural rejuvenator
Published: August 2022 to refresh every living being in the earth. Any alterations in the
quantity, quality as well as the patterns of the sleep, contributes to
various disorders of sleep. Sleep disturbances occur in many of the
psychiatric illnesses and is also as a component of the diagnostic
criteria for specific disorders. According to National institute of health,
the prevalence of sleep disorders in America is approximately among
14.71 % of the population. A higher prevalence of sleep disorders
related to initiation and maintenance of sleep (28%) was reported in an
urban population from India. Among these sleep disorders, insomnia is
the commonest clinical presentation which is 40% more common in
women than in men. Severe insomnia is sleeping less than 3.5 hours in
females and 4.5 hours in males, may lead to a reduced life span.
Copy Right, IJAR, 2022,. All rights reserved.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………....
Introduction:-
Overview:Sleep is one among the best elixir and tonic of life. It is a natural rejuvenator to refresh every living being
in the earth.
Any alterations in the quantity, quality as well as the patterns of the sleep, contributes to various disorders of sleep.
Sleep disturbances occur in many of the psychiatric illnesses and is also
        

According to National institute of health, the prevalence of sleep disorders in America is approximately among
14.71 % of the population. A higher prevalence of sleep disorders related to initiation and maintenance of sleep
(28%) was reported in
an urban population from India.Among these sleep disorders,
insomnia is the commonest clinical presentation which is 40%
more common in women than in men. Severe insomnia is sleeping
less than 3.5 hours in females and 4.5 hours in males, may lead t
Sleep is one among the best elixir and tonic of life. It is a
natural rejuvenator to refresh every living being in the earth.
Any alterations in the quantity, quality as well as the patterns
of the sleep, contributes to various disorders of sleep. Sleep
444
Corresponding Author:- Dr. Rishu Sharma
Address:- Asst. Professor, Dept. of Panchkarma, GAMC, Jammu, India.
ISSN: 2320-5407 Int. J. Adv. Res. 10(08), 444-448
disturbances occur in many of the psychiatric illnesses and is also

        

According to National institute of health, the prevalence of
sleep disorders in America is approximately among 14.71 % of
the population. A higher prevalence of sleep disorders related
to initiation and maintenance of sleep (28%) was reported in
Sleep is one among the best elixir and tonic of life. It is a
natural rejuvenator to refresh every living being in the earth.
Any alterations in the quantity, quality as well as the patterns

of the sleep, contributes to various disorders of sleep. Sleep
disturbances occur in many of the psychiatric illnesses and is also
        

According to National institute of health, the prevalence of
sleep disorders in America is approximately among 14.71 % of
the population. A higher prevalence of sleep disorders related
to initiation and maintenance of sleep (28%) was reported in
Ayurvedic approach
In Ayurveda, Sleep or Nidra have been explained as one of the

triads for sustaining life. The alteration of the same as well as
etiopathogenesis along with the management is being explained
in the classics in the terminology “Nidranasa.” Among the three
doshas controlling the human physiology, such a condition results
from the aggravation of the doshas – Vatha and Pitta, and also
depletion of the dosha – Kapha. Also the sleep is regulated by
the performance of the dosha in relation with the functioning of
manas ie. Rajas Hence it may be manifested both in physical as
well as psychiatric disorders. The initiation of sleep is promoted
by Vātaand the maintenance of sleep is enhanced by Pitta.
Fundamental functions of Vāta, in connection with mental

business are activation (pravarttaka), controlling (niyanta) and
motivation (preraka). These basic functions are impaired, while
the aggravation of Vāta  
conditions, including sleep. The clarity of the sense organs also is
contributing to a normal physiologic sleep. Consequently, mano
nivṛtti, a relaxed state of mind is very much for a sound sleep to
get ensued.
In nidranasa, the aggravation of Vāta occurs which will further

vitiate the other doshas, Pitta as well as Kapha as per the etiology.
Vatha and manas are very much related in their functioning.
HathayogaPradeepika highlighted the inter-relationship of Vāta

and Manas by saying that mind gets active on the light of Vatha.
445
ISSN: 2320-5407 Int. J. Adv. Res. 10(08), 444-448
Vathakopa also results in dhatukshaya which in fact may lead

to depletion of the ojus and hence results in physical as well as
somatic ailments. Hence it is of ultimate importance to regulate
Vāta, in the management of Nidranasa.

Management
Insomnia has to be approached in a very detailed manner

regardless of the system of medicine, we are practicing upon. The
management should be commenced with education about sleep
hygiene as well as addressing the sleep problems. For the same,
a detailed history of all the aspects of life style, along with sleep
have to be traced out as many of the sleep disturbances are in
relation with the life style of the affected.
Adequate sleep hygiene is so much essential which includes

maintenance of regular hours of bed time and arousal, avoiding
excessive caffeine, not ingesting heavy meals before bed time
and performing adequate exercise and mental relaxations like
listening to favorite music before going to bed. The day-to-day
changes in behavior and changing severity of sleeplessness can
obscure the factors responsible for the problem. A carefully
explained program of sleep hygiene, with follow up, represents a
fairly inexpensive but much effective intervention.
Pharmacotherapy includes sedative – hypnotic or melatonin

receptor agonist, antidepressants, benzodiazepines, non
benzodiazepine sedatives, orexin etc.Eventhough they are drugs
that help to induce sleep, no one promotes the prolonged use of
these medicines that may cause dependency as well as addiction
in many. Adverse effects such as depression, thoughts of self –
injury or suicide, anxiety, aggression, restlessness, hallucinations
etc are another major issue of the long term use of sedatives.
So the management options in alternative medicines should be

promoted in order to enhance the quality of life of the affected.
Based on the severity of the presentation, insomnias are

approached to be managed at the Outpatient level in mild to
moderate cases and as inpatient for the severely affected, so as


therapy starts with gritha administration, based on the selected
dosha, followed by sweda and Virechana
Overview:
Urbanization and modernization together are the contributors to lifestyle diseases. This lifestyle impacts on health
and well-being. Sleep is one among the best elixir and tonic of life. It is a natural rejuvenator to refresh every living
being in the earth. Any alterations in the quantity, quality as well as the patterns of the sleep, contributes to various
disorders of sleep. Sleep disturbances occur in many of the psychiatric illnesses and is also as a component of the
diagnostic criteria for specific disorders. According to National institute of health, the prevalence of sleep disorders
in America is approximately among 14.71 % of the population. A higher prevalence of sleep disorders related to
initiation and maintenance of sleep (28%) was reported in an urban population from India. Among these sleep
disorders, insomnia is the commonest clinical presentation which is 40% more common in women than in men.
Severe insomnia is sleeping less than 3.5 hours in females and 4.5 hours in males, may lead to a reduced life span.
446
ISSN: 2320-5407 Int. J. Adv. Res. 10(08), 444-448
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that affects an estimated 30% of the general population. 1 It is characterized by
difficulty with sleeping, which may include falling asleep, maintaining sleep, or a combination of the two.Chronic
insomnia is more prevalent than heart disease, cancer, AIDS, diabetes and several other most prevalent disorders.If
left untreated, insomnia increases the risk of developing diseases like depression, diabetes, hypertension and
possibly even death in older individuals as per reported studies. Non-pharmacological management of Insomnia that
is noninvasive is gaining interest among patients with insomnia.Therefore it is very much essential to identify and
treat the condition of insomnia at the earliest.
Ayurvedic approach:
In Ayurveda, Sleep or Nidra have been explained as one of the triads for sustaining life. The alteration of the same
as well as etiopathogenesis along with the management is being explained in the classics in the terminology
“Nidranasa.” Among the three doshas controlling the human physiology, such a condition results from the
aggravation of the doshas – Vatha and Pitta, and also depletion of the dosha – Kapha. Also the sleep is regulated by
the performance of the dosha in relation with the functioning of manas ie. Rajas Hence it may be manifested both in
physical as well as psychiatric disorders. The initiation of sleep is promoted by Vāta and the maintenance of sleep is
enhanced by Pitta. Fundamental functions of Vāta, in connection with mental business are activation (pravarttaka),
controlling (niyanta) and motivation (preraka). These basic functions are impaired, while the aggravation of Vāta
takes place due to specific causes in any conditions, including sleep. The clarity of the sense organs also is
contributing to a normal physiologic sleep. Consequently, mano nivṛtti, a relaxed state of mind is very much for a
sound sleep to get ensued. In nidranasa, the aggravation of Vāta occurs which will further vitiate the other doshas,
Pitta as well as Kapha as per the etiology. Vatha and manas are very much related in their functioning.
HathayogaPradeepika highlighted the inter-relationship of Vāta and Manas by saying that mind gets active on the
light of Vatha. Vathakopa also results in dhatukshaya which in fact may lead to depletion of the ojus and hence
results in physical as well as somatic ailments. Hence it is of ultimate importance to regulate Vāta, in the
management of Nidranasa.
Management:
Insomnia has to be approached in a very detailed manner regardless of the system of medicine, we are practicing
upon. The management should be commenced with education about sleep hygiene as well as addressing the sleep
problems. For the same, a detailed history of all the aspects of life style, along with sleep have to be traced out as
many of the sleep disturbances are in relation with the life style of the affected. Adequate sleep hygiene is so much
essential which includes maintenance of regular hours of bed time and arousal, avoiding excessive caffeine, not
ingesting heavy meals before bed time and performing adequate exercise and mental relaxations like listening to
favorite music before going to bed. The day-to-day changes in behavior and changing severity of sleeplessness can
obscure the factors responsible for the problem. A carefully explained program of sleep hygiene, with follow up,
represents a fairly inexpensive but much effective intervention. Pharmacotherapy includes sedative – hypnotic or
melatonin receptor agonist, antidepressants, benzodiazepines, non benzodiazepine sedatives, orexin etc. Eventhough
they are drugs that help to induce sleep, no one promotes the prolonged use of these medicines that may cause
dependency as well as addiction in many. Adverse effects such as depression, thoughts of self – injury or suicide,
anxiety, aggression, restlessness, hallucinations etc are another major issue of the long term use of sedatives. So the
management options in alternative medicines should be promoted in order to enhance the quality of life of the
affected. Based on the severity of the presentation, insomnias are approached to be managed at the Outpatient level
in mild to moderate cases and as inpatient for the severely affected, so as to perform the sodhanaie., the purificatory
therapy. The sodhana therapy starts with gritha administration, based on the selected dosha, followed by sweda and
Virechana. This is followed by purificatory therapy of the head ie. nasya with suitable gritha or taila as per the
demand from the condition. The next step is of the procedures such as śirodhāra, śirovasti, sirolepa etc. which are
performed on the siras or head with suitable medicines. Utsādanaie., the gentle massage with a mixture of oil and
medicated powder over the body or Samvāhanam, soft touch or gentle massage is also being done. In the Outpatient
level, several combinations are being practiced and proved as effective. The commonly used drugs are that pacifies
vatha and Pitta amnd also relaxe the mind. Some of the single drugs are Tagara (ValerinaWallichi), Jaṭamansi
(Nordostachys Jatamansi), Somalata (Sarcostemmaacidum) and Aśwagandha( Withania somnifera). Talamie the
application of a selected mixture of curna (powder) and tailom (oil) on the vertex of the head is done.
Siroabhyangaie., the application of oil on head with gentle head massage is of significant use. Similar is the use of
Padaabhyangam or the application of medicated oil under the feet. The medhyarasayana groups of drugs are also of
proven efficacy in the management of insomnia which includes mandookaparni (Centellaasiatica), sankapushpi
(Convolvulus pluricaulis) etc. if any clinical condition is the contributory factor for insomnia, and it has to be
447
ISSN: 2320-5407 Int. J. Adv. Res. 10(08), 444-448
managed in an effective manner. The medhya drugs which have the effect on Vatha and Pitta dosha are quite
effective in insomnia. The approach is to relieve the individual from all sorts of stressor and to achieve the state of
tranquility, leading to deep relaxation, which ultimately leads to the normalization and stabilization of the mind.
Behavioral therapies such as stimulus control, relaxation, sleep restriction therapy, cognitive and behavioral
therapies are beneficial as per reported trials. Cognitive behavioral therapy also produces much better result while
managing primary insomnia. Certain drugs such as Somalata can helps to promote sleep, peculiarly in psychiatric
illness as per studies. Steam volatile fraction of the roots and rhizomes of Acorus calamus prolongs the sleeping
time, Withania somnifera and Bacopa monnieri posess anti stress properties and Methanol Extract of
Hemidesmusindicus possess most of the pharmacological activities characteristic of minor tranquilizers, as per
reported experimental studies.
Conclusion:-
Insomnia is a very crucial condition and is so much prevalent in the society. It is affecting the quality of life of the
affected and is ontributory to much other illness. The modern pharmacological agents are having their own
limitations as per reported studies. Ayurveda is a medical branch giving utmost preference in correcting the
physiological aspects such as sleep. The vivid Ayurvedic vocabulary is capable of addressing issues such as
insomnia to a great extend and can really contribute to the whole medical world. Evidence based studies in this area
is the need of the hour and has to be enhanced for the benefit of the affected.
448

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ISSN: 2320-5407 Int. J. Adv. Res.

Journal Homepage: - www.journalijar.com

Article DOI: 10.21474/IJAR01/15197

Dr. Shailej Gupta1 and Dr. Rishu Sharma2

Copy Right, IJAR, 2022,. All rights reserved.

disturbances occur in many of the psychiatric illnesses and is also

Any alterations in the quantity, quality as well as the patterns

In Ayurveda, Sleep or Nidra have been explained as one of the

Fundamental functions of Vāta, in connection with mental

In nidranasa, the aggravation of Vāta occurs which will further

HathayogaPradeepika highlighted the inter-relationship of Vāta

Vathakopa also results in dhatukshaya which in fact may lead

Vāta, in the management of Nidranasa.

Insomnia has to be approached in a very detailed manner

Adequate sleep hygiene is so much essential which includes

Pharmacotherapy includes sedative – hypnotic or melatonin

So the management options in alternative medicines should be

Based on the severity of the presentation, insomnias are

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