Insufficient sleep is insomnia. Normally the duration of sleep varies according to age. N young age 6 to 8 hours sleep is sufficient, however as the age advances, the duration of sleep decreases due to aggravation of Vata.
It is high Vata disorder. Loss of sleep can be due to severe pain, fever, and psychological factors like anxiety, stress, strain, and worry. Excessive use of stimulants, tea and coffee, lack of exercise, too much tobacco and improper sleeping conditions can cause insomnia.
Proper exercise every day like running, walking, swimming, cycling until there is perspiration should be done regularly. Avoiding napping or sleeping in the afternoon. Massage with Anti – Vata oils like sesame oil or medicated oils like narayana oil or bala oil. Treatment of shirodhara and shirobasti has proved to be very beneficial.
Herbs of choice are jatamansi, brahmi, acorus, and celastrus paniculatus are useful. Combination of any two of these in equal parts with a dose of 1 gm at night for 15 days is beneficial.
Western herbs like gotu cola, skullcap, valerian are also effective.
Taking sweet, sour, and salty foods for palliation of Vata is advised. Dairy products like cheese, milk, butter, and curds.
