This article was authored by Vaidya Manohar Palakuthi, the in-residence Vaidya at The Raj Maharishi Ayurveda Spa, in Fairfield, Iowa.
The ancient text of Ayurveda, the Charaka Samhita, states:
"When the mind withdraws from its activities, then the individual sleeps. Proper sleep causes happiness, nourishment, strength, potency, knowledge and life. Improper sleep brings misery, emaciation, weakness, sterility, ignorance, and death."
Maharishi Ayurveda distinguishes three types of sleep problems and immediate steps to bring relief for a better night’s sleep.
Sleep problem 1: Difficulty falling asleep
Your mind cannot shut down. You think over the day's activities, generating worry and anxiety. This problem is associated with a Vata imbalance.
Ayurvedic recommendations
- Go to bed by 10:00 p.m. and get up by 6:00 a.m. regularly.
- No mental work in the evening.
- Have a warm, unctuous, Vata-pacifying meal.
- Have a warm bath after a warm-oil massage with Moisturizing Herbal Massage Oil.
- No action movies in the evening.
- Take the herbal preparation Blissful Sleep with a cup of Slumber Time Tea.
Sleep problem 2: Difficulty staying asleep
You get to sleep but wake continually during the night, particularly between 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m.
There can be fear, anger, and other emotions. Or, you may wake feeling full of energy and unable to even stay in bed. This problem is mainly associated with Pitta dosha.
Ayurvedic recommendations
- Eat a Pitta-pacifying meal in the evening; have good quantity and good quality of food.
- Take Deep Rest herbal preparation with one cup of warm milk and Organic Rose Petal Spread before bed.
- Massage head and feet with coconut oil. No action, violent movies or computer games in the evening.
Sleep problem 3: Difficulty getting out of bed in the morning
You sleep for eight hours or more but don't feel refreshed on waking and find it difficult to get out of bed until late. Often, in the morning it's difficult to arise. This is mainly a Kapha imbalance.
Ayurvedic recommendations
- Get up before 6:00 a.m. and do some vigorous exercise.
- Avoid heavy meals at night.
- Eat lighter; favor nourishing soups.
- Sip Organic Kapha Tea or Be Trim Tea during the day.
- Avoid being a couch potato, and enjoy good activity during the day.
This article was provided by Dr. Manohar, the resident "Vaidya" for The Raj, the world-famous Ayurvedic spa in Fairfield, Iowa. A Vaidya is a highly-trained Ayurvedic expert, trained in all aspects of this system of natural health care.
For more information: www.theraj.com. 1-800-864-8714, ext. 9000.
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© 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.
