Most adults have experienced “Insomnia” or “Sleeplessness” at one time or another in their lives. An estimated 30%-50% of the general population is affected by insomnia, and 10% have chronic insomnia.

 

Insomnia is a symptom, not a stand-alone diagnosis or a disease. By definition, Insomnia is "difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, or both" and it may be due to inadequate quality or quantity of sleep.Insomnia is not defined by a specific number of hours of sleep that one gets, since individuals vary widely in their sleep needs and practices. Although most of us know what insomnia is and how we feel and perform after one or more sleepless nights, few seek medical advice. Many people remain unaware of the behavioral and medical options available to treat insomnia.

 

Insomnia is generally classified based on the duration of the problem:

 

Insomnia affects all age groups. Among adults, insomnia affects women more often than men. The incidence tends to increase with age. It is typically more common in people in lower socioeconomic (income) groups, chronic alcoholics, and mental health patients. Stress most commonly triggers short-term or acute insomnia. If you do not address your insomnia, however, it may develop into chronic insomnia.

 

Insomnia may be caused by a host of different reasons. These causes may be divided into Situational Factors, Medical or Psychiatric Conditions, or Primary Sleep Problems. 

Jet lag, Changes in shift work, Excessive or unpleasant noise, Uncomfortable room temperature, Stressful situations in life (exam preparation, loss of a loved one, unemployment, divorce, or separation), Presence of an acute medical or surgical illness or hospitalization, Withdrawal from drug, alcohol, sedative, or stimulant medications, etc. are the reasons of Insomnia.

In Ayurveda it is compared to “NIDRA LEMI” / “NIDRA NASHAM”. 5000 years old ancient wisdom of Ayurveda has a lot to offer for millions of people to combat Sleeplessness or Insomnia. Since times immemorable, Ayurveda has been advocating many rejuvenating recopies for improving & maintaining good Physical & Mental health, which leads to a normal and happy life thus improving the deficiencies without any side effects.

Treatment procedures mainly involve the changing of nutritional protocol & life style by which we can greatly influence our physical, mental & emotional health. While each patient should follow a regimen tailored to his/ her individual needs, the five classical procedures are meant to detoxify the human body - THE PANCHAKARMA CHIKITSA -are particularly beneficial. 

Once the toxins are removed and the body is purified from doshas responsible for causing the diseases then rejuvenation procedures & therapeutic massages are beneficial. Judicious combinations of scientifically standardized drugs having rejuvenating correcting imbalances are administered for the promotion of a healthy normal living of the person.

Rejuvenation Procedures include:

 

• A simple ABHYANGA revives body, mind, senses and the soul, increasing energy levels and thus promotes the feeling of well-being.
• SIRO DHARA, in which medicated oils are streamed on to the fore head, relaxes the central nervous system, melting away all the stresses & strains.
• PIZHICHIL (Medicated Oil Bath) Sarvanga Dhara/ Kaya Seka provides the ultimate rejuvenation and increases the circulation around the body
• ELAKIZHI (Herbal Leaf Bundle Massage) is a highly rejuvenating treatment used to treat chronic back pain, sciatica etc.
• NAVARAKIZHI (Shali Shastika Pinda Swedam) is very effective in emaciation, debility, strengthens tissues and is anti ageing.

 

Modification of Diet, Life Style Changes, Breathing Exercises (Pranayama), Achara Rasayanam and Satvavajaya Chikitsa (Methods like Prayer, Dhyana) are advocated in Ayurveda to maintain Perfect Mental Health and thus live happily without the life threatening menace called Stress.