Concept of Sleep (Nidra) in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda Sleep (nidra) is considered as a basic instinct of life. Ayurveda says Nidra is one of the Thrayopasthambha i.e three pillars of health.

THRAYOPASTHAMBHA

are:

• Ahara
• Nidra
• Brahmacharya

Sleep is essential to ensure good health and well-being. Although people have good knowledge about the importance of a good diet and exercise. However they ignore the importance of sleep, which can have drastic consequences for health.

Our Acharyas – Charaka, Susrutha and Vagbhata have different opinions about how we get sleep.

• CHARAKA:Says that when mind as well as soul gets exhausted or becomes inactive and sensory and motor organs become inactive, then an individual gets sleep.
• SUSRUTHA:Says that sleep occurs when hridaya (seat of chethana) is covered by thamas. ( thriguna of mind – Satwa, Raja and Thamas )
• ASHTANGA SANGRAHA AND VAGBHATTA:Stated that manovaha srothas (Mind Channel) becomes accumulated with sleshma and kapha and the mind is devoid of sense organs because of fatigue, then individuals fall asleep.

As a good quality sleep rejuvenates body and mind while enabling effective functioning. According to Ayurveda, correct quality and quantity of sleep is necessary in disconnecting a tired mind from the senses.

Nidra creates happiness in life, maintains the consistency of the body and increases strength.