Article: ASSOCIATION OF PRAKRITI WITH PERCEIVED STRESS AND SLEEP QUALITY AMONG APPARENTLY HEALTHY UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL PILOT STUDY

Article Category: Original Research articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.17257

Pages: 89-94

Author: Amanjyot Sangra *, Pavneet Kaur, Sumit Srivastava, Nithin Krishnan R

Abstract: Background: Sleep disturbances and elevated stress are common among university students, particularly in early adulthood. Ayurveda emphasises Prakriti (Physical constitution) and Tridoshaj balance as determinants of sleep quality and severity. This study aimed to examine perceived stress, sleep quality, and insomnia severity among apparently healthy undergraduate students to identify early stress-sleep imbalances. Methods: A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted among undergraduate students aged 18–30 years. Participants were categorized into Prakriti types using the CCRAS Prakriti Assessment Scale. Perceived stress, sleep quality, and insomnia severity were evaluated using the PSS-10, ISI, and PSQI, respectively. Results: Vata-Pitta participants exhibited insomnia ranging from subthreshold to severe, elevated stress, and poor sleep quality. Vata-Kapha individuals showed subthreshold insomnia, moderate stress, and poor sleep, while Pitta-Kapha had moderate insomnia, moderate to high stress, and poor sleep. Sama Tridoshaj participants exhibited subthreshold insomnia, low stress, and good sleep quality. No single-dosha Prakriti showed significant insomnia, stress, or sleep impairment. Conclusion: Vata predominance is associated with sleep instability and stress sensitivity, while Pitta and Kapha influence provides relative stability with moderate sleep disruption. Sama Tridoshaj demonstrates minimal insomnia and moderate stress. These findings support the integration of Ayurveda Prakriti assessment with modern psychometric tools for early identification of at-risk students and prakriti-specific preventive strategies to improve sleep and stress management.

Keyword: Nidra, Prakriti, Young adults.