Abstract

A REVIEW ON NIDRANASHA (INSOMNIA OR DISTURBED SLEEP) AND ITS AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT

*Dr. Vidyanand Mohan MD (Ay.), Dr. Aparna Nandakumar MD (Ay.), Dr. Aneesh E.G MD (Ay.) and Dr. Abitha Edathadathil MD (Ay.)

Abstract

Sleep is much essential for the sustainment of our life. Ayurveda includes Nidra (sleep) as one among Trayopastambha (three subpillars of life). Sleep deprivation or disturbed sleep can produce ill effects in both physical and mental level. The pathological condition of deprived and disturbed sleep can be discussed under Nidranasha in Ayurvedic point of view. During earlier days, the major contributing factors for sleep deprivation or disturbed sleep were said to be old age and physical ailments. Sleep deprivation or sleep disturbances became ubiquitous when the mental stress surmounted the human lives rapidly. At present in this digital era, people are spending their major time in gadgets and other digital platforms. These technological innovations are remarkably helpful for easing and advancing our occupational needs. Conversely, the same digital advancements are being misused by a majority of people to fulfil their needs of trivial importance. Addiction of mobile games, over use of social media platforms, etc. is some examples for the same. Bottom line of overuse and abuse of digital platform is the manifestation of cardinal life style disorders and mental disorders which negatively impinge the quality and quantity of our normal sleep as well. Sleep related problems linked with altered job patterns which are discussed under ‘Shift work sleep disorders’ are inclusive of insomnia or sleep disturbances. Thus an attempt is made to analyze Nidranasha (insomnia or disturbed sleep) and its management in Ayurvedic perspective.

Keywords: Insomnia, Disturbed Sleep, Nidranasha, Ayurveda.