9 Ayurvedic sleep remedies to manage insomnia

Optimal health, according to the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, can only be achieved when there is a proper balance of the three pillars of life.  Ayurveda considers sleep as one of the three important pillars of health. In this blog post, learn about how not only can Ayurveda help you sleep better but also help manage insomnia.

Ayurvedic explanation of insomnia

Despite sleeping for 7 to 8 hours, have you ever woken you feeling unrested and groggy? That’s insomnia. Insomnia can also look like having trouble falling asleep or waking up frequently during the night and not being able to return to sleep. Another thing: insomnia can mean waking up awfully early in the morning and then lying awake.

What leads to insomnia?

Ayurveda says insomnia is triggered by a build-up of impurities in the body. Poor diet, overworking, unhealthy lifestyle, and weak digestion lead to ama. Accumulated toxins interfere with our biochemistry and disturb our metabolism, including sleep functions. Just know that whenever there is an imbalance in sleep, usual either vata or pitta or both doshas are involved.

• Improper diet and lifestyle leading to aggravation of vata and Pitta dosha.
• Overuse use of stimulants such as tea and coffee.
• Excess intake of cold, dry, fried, and spicy foods.
• Suppressed and repressed emotions, which can create mental agitation.
• Over-excitement and emotional upheavals such as worry, anger, and overwork.

How doshas are connected to insomnia

How can Ayurveda and insomnia be explained in relationship to one’s doshas? A person with vata imbalance will toss and turn. Vata’s light and mobile qualities make it difficult for the mind to rest and the chatter to stop. Imbalanced Pitta individuals experience intermittent wakefulness. They feel stimulated and wake up frequently with body pain, anger, mental agitation, and sadness. For those dealing with Kapha dosha aggravation, they wake up inappropriately early and can’t fall back asleep.

Ayurveda and insomnia: the impact

Long term sleep deprivation leads to body ache, premature aging, emotional instability, memory loss, fatigue, poor coordination, confusion, and apathy. Did you know that inadequate sleep is linked to chronic illnesses like type 2 diabetes, obesity, depression, heart disease, chronic inflammation, and a few others? Research also tells us that poor sleep quality and quantity in children and teens can have negative effects on their mental, emotional, and physical health.

Ayurvedic remedies for insomnia

Ayurveda has the potential to correct the root cause of insomnia.

1. Honor the Ayurvedic clock and establish a regular sleep routine.
2. Massage your feet with oil.
3. Practice Abhyanga in the mornings.
4. Eat your meals at regular timings and according to your dosha.
5. Eliminate screen time 2 hours prior to bedtime.
6. Ayurveda recommends exercising between 6am-10am, which is during Kapha time.
7. Don’t overstimulate yourself in the evenings by reading or watching TV or scrolling social media.
8. Reduce your exposure to stress.
9. Practice yoga asanas, pranayama, and meditation.
10. Drink “Golden Milk” before bedtime.

“Sleep is the best meditation.”  ~ Dalai Lama

Do you just want to sleep? Contact me for customized, Ayurvedic recommendations to manage insomnia!

Disclaimer: The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. The information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional. If you are looking for advice from a trained Ayurvedic coach, contact Sweta Vikram here.