Best Ayurvedic Treatment For Insomnia: Changing positions in bed at night and still not getting sufficient sleep can be an incredibly frustrating experience. It not only drains us physically but also effects the mental health to a point you get trapped into a vicious cycle. So let’s dive deep into the world of Ayurveda to tackle this issue because sweet dreams are just a few herbs away!
Insomnia is more than just missing sleep—it’s a disruption of your natural harmony. Ayurveda, the time-tested science of life, approaches insomnia (Anidra) by addressing its root causes through balance, diet, lifestyle, and herbal remedies. Rather than merely sedating the mind, Ayurvedic treatment nurtures a deep, restorative sleep by aligning your body’s energies with nature’s rhythm.
Ayurveda Day 2025: Centre Fixes New Date on September 23 Every Year
Acharya Charaka explained the causes of insomnia in detail by the following shlokas:
कायस्य शिरसश्चैव विरेकश्छर्दनं भयम् ।
चिन्ता क्रोधस्तथा धूमो व्यायामो रक्तमोक्षणम् ॥
कायस्य शिरसश्चैव(diseased body and mind): It refers to the physical and mental causes or disturbances that lead to insomnia.
विरेक (purgation): Excessive purgation therapy or diarrhea can deplete body strength and disturb the mind, leading to insomnia.
छर्दनं (vomiting): Frequent vomiting also weakens the system and causes restlessness, disturbing sleep.
भयम् (fear): Fear triggers the sympathetic nervous system, leading to alertness and inability to relax or sleep.
चिन्ता (worry/anxiety): Continuous thinking or overthinking agitates the mind, hindering peaceful sleep.
क्रोध (anger): Anger excites the nervous system and increases bodily heat, preventing calmness required for sleep.
धूम (smoke): Inhalation of smoke (possibly due to pollution, smoking, or even therapeutic dhoomapana in excess) disturbs the senses and can affect sleep.
व्यायाम (excessive exercise): Overexertion of the body without adequate rest causes stress and can disturb the body’s natural sleep rhythm.
रक्तमोक्षण (bloodletting): Excessive bloodletting causes debility and affects the body’s balance, potentially leading to insomnia.
उपवासोऽसुखा शय्या सच्चौदार्य तमोजयः ।
निद्राप्रसङ्गमहितं अर्राफा समुत्थितम् ॥
उपवास (fasting): Long fasting or starvation can lead to hyperactivity of the nervous system and hinder sleep.
असुखा शय्या (uncomfortable bed): Sleeping on a hard or uncomfortable surface disrupts sleep quality.
सच्चौदार्य (over-generosity or excessive openness): Too much indulgence in giving or mental involvement may lead to emotional strain, affecting sleep.
तमोजय (suppression of tamas or rest): Forcefully overcoming natural sleep impulses (tamas) disturbs the doshas and rhythm, causing insomnia.
निद्राप्रसङ्गमहितं (wrong timing or context of sleep): Improper sleep schedules or trying to sleep when the body isn’t ready causes sleep disturbance.
एत एव च विज्ञेया निद्रानाशस्य हेतवः ।
कार्य कालो विकारश्च प्रकृतिर्वायुरेव च ।।
कार्य (work): Excessive or stressful work can keep the mind overactive, delaying sleep.
काल (time): Wrong timing (e.g., sleeping too late or irregular hours) disrupts the natural sleep cycle.
विकार (illness): Physical or mental disorders (like fever, pain, depression) can prevent proper sleep.
प्रकृति: Individuals with a Vata-predominant constitution are naturally more prone to insomnia.
वायुः (vata dosha): Aggravation of Vata dosha (air element) is the most significant factor in causing insomnia, as it governs movement and nervous impulses.
Top Ayurvedic Tips to Reduce Menstrual Pain: Explore Rajaswala Paricharya
The following shloka in Charaka Samhita describe the remedies and supportive practices that help restore lost sleep according to Ayurveda.
अभ्यङ्गोत्सादनं स्नानं ग्राम्यानूपौदका रसाः ।
शाल्यन्नं सदधि क्षीरं स्नेहो मद्यं मनःसुखम् ॥
These are physical and dietary practices that promote sleep:
अभ्यङ्ग (oil massage): Gentle oil massage of the body calms the nervous system, pacifies Vata, and induces relaxation, aiding sleep. Mainly padabhyanga (foot massage) relaxes eye and induce sleep.
उत्सादन (gentle scrubbing): After massage, rubbing the body with herbal powders or paste improves circulation and soothes the senses.
स्नान (bath): A warm bath after massage relaxes muscles and reduces stress, promoting sound sleep.
ग्राम्य, अनुप, औदक रसाः (meat soups from domesticated, marshy land, and aquatic animals): These are nourishing and heavy in nature. Such meat soups increase strength and promote sleep due to their grounding, Kapha-promoting quality.
शाल्यन्नं (rice prepared from Shali variety): This type of rice is easy to digest, nourishing, and calming, ideal for dinner.
सदधि (wholesome curd): Helps pacify Vata and can help induce sleep when taken properly (not at night in excess).
क्षीरं (milk): Warm milk is a classic Ayurvedic remedy for insomnia; it nourishes and calms the mind.
स्नेह (use of oils/ghee): Lubrication of the body internally (with ghee) or externally (with oil massage) pacifies dryness (Vata).
मद्यं (moderate use of wine): Mild, controlled use of wine or fermented drinks can promote relaxation and sleep when suitable for the person.
मनःसुखम् (mental happiness): A peaceful, content, and happy mind is essential for good sleep.
मनसोऽनुगुणा गन्धाः शब्दाः संवाहनानि च ।
चक्षुषोस्तर्पणं लेपः शिरसो वदनस्य च ॥
These refer to sensory and mental therapies to aid sleep:
मनसोऽनुगुणा गन्धाः (Pleasant fragrances agreeable to the mind): Use of calming, familiar, and soothing scents (e.g., sandalwood, lavender) helps relax the mind.
शब्दाः (Pleasant sounds/music): Soft, melodious music or nature sounds promote calmness and help induce sleep.
संवाहनानि (gentle body massage): Gentle, rhythmic massage is deeply calming and can prepare the body for restful sleep.
चक्षुषः तर्पणं (Eye-soothing treatments): Therapies like netra-tarpana (ghee-based eye therapy) or simply washing the eyes help relieve mental and eye strain.
लेपः (application of medicated pastes): Application of herbal pastes on the forehead or head soothes the nervous system.
शिरसः वदनस्य च (For the head and face): Treatments like oiling the scalp or forehead (shiro-abhyanga) or facial massage reduce tension and promote sleep.
स्वास्तीर्ण शयनं वेश्म सुखं कालस्तथोचितः ।
आनयन्त्यचिरान्निद्रां प्रनष्टा या निमित्ततः ॥
These refer to lifestyle and environmental factors that support the return of sleep:
स्वास्तीर्ण शयनं (Comfortable bedding): A well-made, soft and clean bed supports quality sleep.
वेश्म सुखं (Pleasant home environment): A peaceful, clean, quiet, and pleasant room supports relaxation and sleep.
कालः तु ओचितः (Proper timing): Going to bed at the right time, especially before 10 pm, aligns with the body’s natural rhythms.
These combined practices quickly restore sleep that was lost due to various causes.
Many herbal formulations can be used to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders, each with its unique set of benefits.
Ashwagandha: This medicinal plant has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine for its sedative effects. Stress and anxiety contribute to a lack of sleep, so it is frequently used to alleviate those conditions.
Brahmi: Another herb with calming properties, Brahmi can be helpful in the treatment of sleep disorders. It is recommended for those who want to enhance their sleep quality and mental capacity because of its purported ability to enhance memory and cognitive
Shankhapushpi: Shankhapushpi is an herb traditionally used as a natural sedative. If you have insomnia, this may be the solution you’ve been looking for because it can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Consult a certified Ayurvedic practitioner before taking these herbs. As each human body is unique according to Ayurveda, it might hamper internal constitution depending on your Prakruti and other aspects.
Below are some measures you should include in your routine to get rid of insomnia as researched in recent times with scientific reasons:
Drink Warm Milk
Warm milk has long been considered an insomnia remedy, due to Tryptophan content. Tryptophan, an amino acid can contribute to the production of serotonin, which, in turn, can be converted to melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle.
Include Magnesium in Your Diet
Magnesium is a mineral that is important for sleep due to GABA regulation. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps calm the nervous system and promote relaxation. Magnes has been shown to enhance GABA activity leading to a calming effect on the brain anu helping to reduce anxiety and stress.
Get Regular Massages
Massage promotes relaxation by targeting the muscular and nervous systems. Massage also stimulates the release of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, the hormones associated with feelings of happiness.
Rooted in nature and perfected over thousands of years, Ayurveda doesn’t just help you fall asleep – it helps you heal while you sleep.
This website uses cookies.