Sleep Disorders Management with Ayurveda

What are sleep disorders?

Sleep disorders are conditions that affect the quality, timing, or duration of sleep, resulting in daytime tiredness and impaired functioning. They can lead to various problems like difficulty falling or staying asleep, or difficulty experiencing restful sleep. Sleep disorders can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) and can significantly impact an individual’s physical and mental health.

Common types of sleep disorders

• Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or waking up too early and not being able to go back to sleep.
• Sleep apnea: A disorder characterised by interruptions in breathing during sleep, often leading to fragmented sleep and daytime fatigue.
• Restless leg syndrome: An uncomfortable sensation in the legs and an irresistible urge to move them, often disrupting sleep.
• Narcolepsy: A neurological disorder that affects the control of sleep and wakefulness, causing excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks.
• Circadian rhythm disorders: Disorders that affect sleep timing, such as delayed sleep phase disorder or shift work disorder.

Causes of sleep disorders

• Stress and anxiety: High levels of stress or anxiety can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep.
• Poor sleep habits: Irregular sleep schedules, excessive screen time before bed, or a stimulating sleep environment can disrupt sleep patterns.
• Medical conditions: Chronic pain, asthma or gastrointestinal issues can interfere with sleep.
• Medications: Some medications can cause insomnia or disrupt normal sleep patterns.
• Substance use: Caffeine, nicotine and alcohol can negatively affect sleep quality.

Ayurvedic perspective on sleep disorders

In Ayurveda, sleep is considered one of the three pillars of health, along with diet and lifestyle. Sleep disorders are often associated with an imbalance in the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). Each dosha can cause different types of sleep disturbances:

• Vata imbalance: Leads to restlessness, light sleep and frequent waking.
• Pitta imbalance: Causes difficulty falling asleep and waking up in the middle of the night with intense thoughts or emotions.
• Kapha imbalance: Results in excessive sleepiness and lethargy.

Managing sleep disorders with Ayurveda

• Herbal remedies: Herbs like Ashwagandha (reduces stress and promotes relaxation, Brahmi (calms the mind), Jatamansi (soothes the nervous system) and Tagara (a natural sedative) can promote restful sleep.
• Abhyangam (oil massage): Regular oil massages with warm medicated oils like sesame or Brahmi oil can help calm the nervous system and promote relaxation.
• Shirodhara: A relaxing therapy where warm oil is poured over the forehead to calm the mind and promote restful sleep, aiding in sleep disorders management.
• Yoga and meditation: Practise gentle yoga poses and meditation to reduce stress, calm the mind and prepare the body for sleep.
• Diet and lifestyle changes: Follow a dosha-balancing diet and routine that includes eating warm, nourishing foods, avoiding stimulants like caffeine and alcohol, and establishing a regular sleep schedule.
• Aromatherapy: Use essential oils like lavender, chamomile, or sandalwood in a diffuser or during a bath to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.

Sleep disorders can negatively affect your health and quality of life, but Ayurveda’s holistic approach can help manage and improve your sleep patterns effectively. At the Indian Ayurveda Centre, we provide a wide range of Ayurvedic therapies to help you achieve restful and restorative sleep. Contact us today for more information or to book a consultation.