Except for a diet, there’s probably nothing that plays an important role in maintaining your body’s health and wellbeing as much as a good night’s sleep does.It is your body’s nature-appointed time for rest, relaxation and restoration. It is the time when your body is able to relieve itself of all emotional and mental stress and restore its physical balance.

The less sleep you get, the more challenging the next day feels. This might end up making you feel numb or impervious to what’s going on around you and incapable of handling daily tasks.

Let’s take a deeper look at the root cause of sleep deprivation according to Ayurveda.


Sleepless nights: The Ayurvedic perspective

There are three types of sleep imbalances and each has something to do with your body’s dosha constitution, namely: Vata, Pitta and Kapha.


Sleeplessness Caused by Vata imbalance

If your problem is that you are unable to fall asleep and feel restless throughout the night, then you may be experiencing a Vata-imbalance.

This can be remedied by taking simple measures such as using warmth and weight to comfort your body’s Vata. You could try wearing warm and cozy socks to bed and using a heavier blanket. Taking a warm bath right before you go to sleep can also be a great way to naturally induce sleepiness if you’re someone experiencing a Vata imbalance.

Try reducing your ceiling fan’s speed since Vata is a life force associated with air and wind and heavier winds can end up disrupting your Vata balance.


Sleeplessness Caused by Pitta imbalance

Those with a Pitta imbalance may find it easy to fall asleep but might wake up during early morning hours and find it difficult to return back to sleep.
People with Pitta-imbalances are able to sleep better in a cool atmosphere Turn the heat down a few degrees,or slightly open your window up a little to let the night breeze in.. This will reduce your chances of waking up in the middle of the night when the temperature gets too humid. In short,the cooler the environment, the deeper the sleep.

Sleep problems caused by Kapha imbalance

A person with a Kapha imbalance, on the other hand, might be able to get several hours of deep and restful sleep but still feel tired or lethargic when waking up. If this is the case with you, try doing the following:


  • Wake up before 6.00 a.m. Sleeping well past dawn can cause an accumulation in the body’s ama (toxins)
  • Decrease your daily coffee intake and try herbal tea (green tea) instead. This works better to help eliminate ama from your body and freshen up your senses.
  • Try a Kapha-pacifying diet. You should avoid desserts and cold ice-cream.
  • Do daily exercises between 6-10 in the morning (also known as the Kapha time of the morning.
  • Sleep in a dark environment. Dim the lights and go to bed wearing something super comfy like pajamas.make sure your sheets are comfortable(try organic cotton ones).


A few sleep-supporting habits

  • Follow your body’s circadian rhythms daily. Take a leisurely walk at sunrise and during sunset. This will signal your body when it is time to rise and when it is time to rest.
  • Let the light in! Open your windows and draw your curtains back. If you’re having trouble sleeping, switch your phone off and bask in the warmth of the evening sun as it sets. The resulting difference might amaze you.
  • Eat a well-cooked meal at least 3-4 hours before bedtime. Having your meals right before you go to sleep signals your body to stay awake and active to digest the food. It would be best to have your dinner in the late evening.
  • Allow yourself to engage in stress-free activities before you go to sleep. In other words, let your mind get into a relaxed and unperturbed state.
  • It would be best to finish all work-related activities around 7pm or at least 3-4 hours before you go to sleep.
  • Sleep comes naturally and effortlessly. You don’t need to go out of your way to try and find it. You just need to get into that mindstate where it can find you,

Dr.Sandeep Krishna

Dr. Sandeep Krishna is the fourth generation descendant of the Chingoli family, well known for its century old Ayurvedic heritage. Dr. Krishna is a bachelor’s degree holder (BAMS) in Ayurveda and also did his post-graduation in Panchakarma. Currently serving as Senior Consultant in Krishnendu Ayurveda Hospital And Chingoli Ayurveda Hospital. Dr. Sandeep Krishna is also in charge of administering the ‘International Business and Operations’at Krishnendu Ayurveda Hospital. His enthusiasm and undying commitment towards Ayurveda, enables him to drive the hospital to International fame.
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