Ayurveda and Insomnia: 5 Top Ayurvedic Tips for Good Sleep

Three factors vital for good health include regular exercise, proper sleep, and a well-balanced diet. Missing out on any of these can have detrimental effects on your overall well-being. Insomnia refers to a state when a person is unable to sleep properly [1]. As a result, you may feel lethargic, irritable, and weak. There are chances that you may also continuously yawn or not be able to concentrate.

According to Ayurveda, insomnia occurs when there is an imbalance of three doshas in the body, namely Kapha, Vata, and pitta. A total of 6 to 8 hours of peaceful sleep is required to relax your mind and help in proper body functions. Ayurvedic treatment advocates the use of herbs, practices, and massages to get a good night’s sleep. For instance, having milk before going to sleep is an effective medication for insomnia that you can try.

To know more, check out these simple yet effective ayurvedic tips for good sleep.

Doing Shirodhara is ideal for insomnia treatment in Ayurveda

This is an excellent remedy for treating insomnia and stress as it relaxes the nervous system and calms your body and mind. This ayurvedic treatment involves the use of warm medicated oils on your forehead followed by a gentle scalp massage [2]. The oil is poured carefully on the center of your forehead for about 30 to 45 minutes and is accompanied by a scalp massage. Some of the oils used for Shirodhara include sesame oil, ksheerabala oil, mahanarayan taila, and coconut oil.

Having a glass of warm milk before you sleep

Sipping a glass of lukewarm milk right before bedtime helps you sleep peacefully. Milk stimulates the production of melatonin, which is a sleep-inducing hormone [3]. The amino acid, tryptophan in milk gets converted to serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter. This hormone calms and relaxes brain cells. Serotonin is also the precursor molecule in the production of melatonin. To help you make this a habit, you can add crushed or blanched almonds or even a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for more flavor in your milk.

Consuming Ashwagandha ayurvedic medicine for depression and insomnia

This is one of the best ayurvedic medicine for sleep that is effective in treating fatigue, anxiety, and stress. Also called the wonder herb, Ashwagandha works by promoting healthy sleeping patterns. Consume it by mixing it with another ayurvedic herb, Brahmi. Take a teaspoon of both herbal powders and boil them in 2 glasses of water. Boil until the mixture reduces to 1 glass and then drink it at least once daily for effective results. This medicinal herb is efficient in lowering blood sugar and contains certain anti-cancer properties as well.

Eating draksha is an effective ayurvedic home remedy for good sleep

Draksha or grapes is another food that promotes good sleep. Having a bowl of fresh grapes before bedtime induces peaceful sleep and rejuvenates your mind. Grapes are packed with antioxidants and melatonin.

Doing samvahana improves sleep quality

As per Ayurveda, insomnia can be managed with a help of a full body massage or samvahana. This ayurvedic massage helps promote blood circulation, thereby relaxing your body. By stimulating the nervous, lymphatic, and immune systems of the body, samvahana helps in stabilizing the body, spirit, and mind. This treatment uses aromatic oils like sandalwood, lavender, jasmine, and almond oils. The body massage is accompanied by a relaxing steam bath that also helps in improving your sleeping patterns.

Apart from following these ayurvedic remedies, you can get quality sleep by eating a light dinner and practicing meditation. Restricting screen time before sleep is also essential. Bathing in warm water and sleeping on a comfortable mattress are other simple tips to follow for minimizing insomnia. However, if you face issues with sleeping, you can connect with naturopaths and ayurvedic doctors on Bajaj Finserv Health. Book an appointment online within minutes and take proactive steps towards getting your beauty sleep!