Article: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF NIDRA IN AYURVEDA

Article Category: Review articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.17273

Pages: 175-178

Author: Priti D. Wakade *, Suwarna D. Vyas, Dattatray T. Kodape

Abstract: Ayurveda recognizes Nidra (sleep) as one of the three foundational pillars of life, along with Ahara and Brahmacharya. It is described as a Tamas-dominant state important for facilitating physical and mental restoration. Nidra plays a crucial role in maintaining an individual’s Swasthya (health) by promoting mental balance, nourishment, immunity, cognitive function, reproductive health, and longevity. Disturbances in sleep, including Ratrijagarana (night wakefulness), Diwaswapna (daytime sleep), and Anidra (insomnia), disrupt the balance of Doshas and predispose individuals to Sharirika (physical) and Manasika (mental) disorders. Ayurveda outlines preventive and therapeutic measures, such as Abhyanga (oil massage), Snana (bathing), appropriate diet, comfortable sleeping arrangements, and attention to emotional well-being, to restore and maintain healthy sleep patterns. The objective of this review is to systematically compile and analyze Ayurvedic concepts of Nidra, highlighting its definitions, Utpatti (genesis), types, functions, circadian rhythm, and pathological conditions . A comprehensive assessment of classical texts, including Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, and Ashtanga Sangraha, along with relevant peer-reviewed articles and modern research on sleep, was conducted. This provides an integrative understanding of Nidra, highlighting its role in health promotion and disease prevention.

Keyword: Nidra, Ayurveda, Sleep, Doshas, insomnia