INSOMNIA

Lack of sleep is termed as insomnia. Can be divided into two types, as

I) Difficulty falling asleep II) frequent or early awakening

Causes

Type I	Type II
Anxiety or tension	Depression
Environmental change	Environmental change
Emotional arousal	Sleep apnea
Fear of insomnia	Nocturnal myoclonus
Phobia of sleep	Hypoglycemia
Disruptive environment	Parasomnias
Pain or discomfort	Pain or discomfort
Caffeine	Drugs
Alcohol	Alcohol

Facts

1) Up to 30% of population suffers
2) Females are more prone
3) Adequate sleep is responsible for adequate growth hormone secretion which is a anti-ageing hormone
4) Free radicals in brain are removed during good sleep period

Therapeutic consideration

1) Eliminate factors known to disrupt normal sleep patterns, factors are:
a) coffee
b) tea
c) alcohol
d) marijuana
e) numerous OTC medications, prescription drugs

2) Counseling and / or stress reduction techniques
3) Regular physical exercise improves sleep quality
4) Hot water bath and hot milk at bed time helps
5) Passion flower

Ayurveda approach

According to ayurveda, this is predominantly VATA disorder. This also comes under MANASA ROGA with involvement of RAJASA GUNA. If ayurvedic medicines with a particular diet and particular lifestyle are taken, helps majority of people with insomnia. Therefore, ayurvedic treatment is advisable to those patients.

Contact - Dr. Rahul Saraf at rahsaraf@gmail.com, +919422309088 to discuss your health problem or ayurvedic guidance on the same.