Sleep is the natural time for your body and mind to rest, reset, detoxify, and rejuvenate. Sleep is called ‘Nidra’ in Ayurveda. Nidra is considered a state in which there will be no desire. This is also a state of nature that provides complete detachment from the consciousness of the person.
The classical texts of Ayurveda have given it the importance it deserves by including it in the Trayopasthambha (the three supportive pillars of life), which are Ahara (food), Nidra (sleep), and Brahmacharya (a state of awareness and well-being). Only by mastering these three disciplines, can your journey of life become a truly worthy and remarkable experience.
How does it occur?
Nidra is a very important phenomenon that provides rest and relaxation to the body, mind and senses, when they get tired and exhausted. When the mind, including the sensory and motor organs, is exhausted and begins to dissociate itself from objects it focuses on, then the individual should sleep.
What are the benefits of sleep?
Good sleep not only provides rest to the body, but also satiates the senses, improves their functions, helps the internal tissues, organs and bodily systems to rejuvenate, and enables them to regain their capacity to perform more efficiently. The alertness of the mind is also greatly improved after a restful sleep.
What could derail your sleep patterns?
There are many factors that can affect your sleep patterns, including:
- Sleeping at improper times (like daytime which causes lethargy)
- Not sleeping on time (which disturbs the balance)
- Sleeping too little (causing weakness of the senses and body)
- Staying awake late at night (leading to dryness in tissues)
- Oversleeping (can cause muscle wasting)
Any disruption in your sleep patterns can affect your body (dryness and debility), senses (weakness and irritability), and mind (improper cognition and behavioural changes).
Who can sleep during the day?
Sleeping during the day is only allowed in the summer (as days are long), for babies, the elderly, travellers in new time zones, and patients who are suffering from diseases, weakness, injuries, depression, indigestion, pain, anxiety, etc.
What is Ayurveda's perspective on sleep imbalances?
Doshas play a major role in designing a sleep cycle for an individual. While each dosha has its own unique influence on sleep patterns and imbalances, quality sleep is equally important for all of us. In Ayurveda, the sleep imbalances affect Vata, Pitta, and Kapha – each type with its own distinct character.
Ayurveda emphasises that simple adjustments to routine, exercise, diet, and lifestyle habits can have a profound impact on sleep.
What are some of the Ayurvedic tips for a good sleep?
- Maintain a dinacharya (daily routine). Often, sleep disturbances come from an imbalanced routine. Develop a balanced daily schedule to keep your body’s biological rhythms running smoothly.
- Digestion and sleep are intimately connected. Eating a big meal in the evening can slow your digestion and cause sleep disturbance. The dinner should be ideally three hours before bedtime.
- Enjoy a cup of warm organic cow’s milk, payasam (kheer), or desert, listen to soothing music, smell pleasant fragrances, cuddle with your partner (helps balance Pitta), gently massage your legs, apply oil to the scalp and to the feet; all of this helps to relieve exhaustion. What’s most effective is Abhyanga, a body massage with oil, which is highly recommended to balance Vata.
- Follow the 3-2-1 method:
3 hours before – consume food
2 hours before – stop television and all gadgets
1 hour before – read a book - Practise gratitude: One of the easiest things you can do is lying on your back with your eyes closed, gently take stock of all the good things in your life, and reflect on all the moments you were grateful for today.
Nidra, the natural healer
Sleep is like a secondary life support system. Proper and undisturbed sleep is one of the most important factors that influence your quality of life. Sleep is just as vital to your growth and development as breathing air. No matter what age you are, sleep plays a role in helping your body reset, repair, regenerate, and heal naturally.
Disclaimer
The sole purpose of this article is to provide information about Ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have an acute or chronic health concern, please consult an Ayurveda doctor who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively.
