You toss. You turn. You count sheep. But still, your mind is whirling. About one third of adults experience insomnia symptoms at any given time. Researchers have identified lack of sleep as a cause of many significant health issues and high stress levels.
Maharishi AyurVeda regards sleep as one of the four pillars of health, and offers a wide arsenal of tools to improve your sleep—from structuring a more relaxing daily routine to eating the right foods.
Vata imbalances disturb sleep
Maharishi AyurVeda offers specific advice for solving various kinds of sleep problems.
Difficulty falling asleep at night is one of the most common. This is caused by a Vata imbalance or mental stress. People who toss and turn, unable to fall asleep because their mind is on overdrive, have this issue. It tends to happen to people who are anxious, worried or who have to rush around a lot during the day.
Below are some simple yet powerful tips for falling asleep faster.
10 Tips to fall asleep faster
1. Consume the right tastes
Eating more sweet, sour and salty foods helps balance Vata dosha, the mind-body operator that controls mental activity.
2. Eat well
Eating three warm, cooked meals at the same time every day is recommended.
3. Adopt a routine
Getting to bed before 10:00 p.m. and rising by 6:00 a.m. is also advised.
4. Don’t rush
As much as possible, avoid rushing during the day.
5. Make your own poppy seed sleep aid
You can make your own with some poppy seed chutney and eat it one hour before bed.
6. Reduce you screen time
It’s best to avoid watching TV or using digital devices the hour before sleep.
7. Ayurvedic massage
Massaging your hands and feet with Youthful Skin Massage Oil before bed also helps.
8. Aromatherapy at bedtime
Pure lavender oil or Slumber Time aroma are recommended.
9. Ayurvedic herbal supplements
Taking the Blissful Sleep herbal supplement one hour before bed helps balance Vata dosha and therefore facilitates falling asleep faster. Try Deep Rest to support sleeping deeply through the night. This herbal formula is especially targeted for those who have difficulty staying asleep, waking up in the middle of the night (Pitta imbalance).
However, it also helps those who have difficulty falling asleep and those who awaken early in the morning after less than six hours of sleep.
10. Ayurvedic herbal teas
The herbs in Slumber Time Tea include Winter Cherry, a powerful adaptogenic that helps stabilize the mind and emotions. Arjuna helps calm the emotions. Bacopa Monnieri and Indian Pennywort (Gotu Kola) balance and calm the mind.
Licorice pacifies both Vata and Pitta, and cardamom helps balance all three doshas.
Start by adding just one of these handy tricks to fall asleep faster at night, and add another each week for deeper relaxation and better Zzz’s over time. Need more help? Our Sleep Wellness Hub offers many simple strategies to get more shut-eye.
© 1999, 2023 Maharishi AyurVeda Products International, Inc. (MAPI). All Rights Reserved. MAPI does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. SEE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
