Abstract

ROLE OF AYURVEDA IN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SLEEP RELATED DISORDERS

*Dr. Vidyanand Mohan and Dr. Aparna Nandakumar

Abstract

Ayurveda consider Nidra (sleep) as one among the three sub pillars of life which helps in the maintenance of the body, along with Aahara (food) and Brahmacharya/Abrahmacharya (sexual life). All Acharyas are having the similar opinion that various aspects of happiness and sorrow, nourishment and emaciation, strength and weakness, virility and eunuchism, knowledge and ignorance, life and death are all dependent upon sleep.[1] Ayurveda discusses in vast regarding the ill effects arising out of sleep deprivation and various measures to bring back the body from the ill effects of sleep deprivation. According to WHO, occupational health deals with all aspects of health and safety in the work place and has a strong focus on primary prevention of hazards.[2] From technologically and financially sound workers to lower class labour, most of the workers are suffering from disease due to lack of proper sleep. Sleep related problems related with altered job patterns are discussed under ‘Shift work sleep disorders’. So it’s the need of hour to utilize Ayurvedic knowledge to cure disorders arising out of sleep deprivation related with occupation.

Keywords: Nidranasha, Shift work sleep disorders, Insomnia, Fatigue.