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.
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