Abstract

AN AYURVEDIC APPROACH ON NIDRA AND ITS PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES

Jamuna Uranw*, Gitanjali Sasmal and Vinay Bhardwaj

ABSTRACT

Ayurveda; an eternal system of medicine, is known for its multidimensional approach towards mankind. Utility of this science starts from fertilization till death. Health of a person means healthy physical body and mind together. Ayurveda helps in keeping balance, harmony and equilibrium in all physiological activities of body and mind. The ancient Ayurvedic classics describes the main three milestone of life is Ahara, Nidra and Brahmacharya and Nidra is one of them; it is very significant for human being. Nidra is very crucial factor for day to day life. Lack of Nidra causes various pathological conditions called Anidra. After a long time it is converted into Chronic condition called Secondary insomnia or tertiary insomnia. Nidra is prime among the factors responsible for sustenance of life. Sleep is defined as a state of unconsciousness from which a person can be aroused. In this state, the brain is relatively more responsive to internal stimuli than external stimuli. Sleep is essential for normal, healthy functioning of the human body. When the mind gets exhausted or become inactive and the sensory and the motor organs become inactive then the individual gets sleep. Proper sleep can destroy half the diseases. Tamas and Satva qualities are responsible for sleep as well as awakening respectively. Ratriswabhava Prabhava Nidra is a natural sleep, is called as Bhutadhatri and nourishes all living being.

Keywords: Nidra, Classification, Regulation and physiological changes.