Dr Kranthi R Vardhan - Weekly Newsletter - Issue#162

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the 162nd edition of our Ayurvedic Wellness Newsletter!
In Ayurveda, Nidra (sleep) is considered one of the three pillars of life (along with Ahara – food, and Brahmacharya – lifestyle/discipline). Just as a building cannot stand firm without strong pillars, our health collapses if sleep is disturbed.

In today’s fast-paced world, insomnia, poor sleep quality, and irregular sleep patterns have become common. Ayurveda provides timeless wisdom on how to restore natural, rejuvenating sleep for physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Why Sleep Matters in Ayurveda

• Restoration of Tissues (Dhatu Poshana): Sleep nourishes the body, repairs tissues, and builds Ojas (vitality).
  

• Mental Clarity: Proper Nidra calms Vata, stabilizes the mind, and sharpens memory.
  

• Balanced Hormones: Sound sleep regulates Agni (metabolism), hormones, and emotional balance.
  

• Longevity: Charaka Samhita states: “Happiness and misery, nourishment and emaciation, strength and weakness, fertility and sterility, knowledge and ignorance, life and death—all depend on sleep.”
  
  

Causes of Disturbed Sleep (Nidra-Viparyaya)

According to Ayurveda, poor sleep is mainly due to Vata aggravation and, in some cases, Pitta imbalance:

• Excessive stress, anxiety, overthinking (Vata vriddhi)
  

• Late-night gadget use, irregular routines
  

• Excess spicy, oily, or heavy food at night
  

• Excess tea, coffee, or stimulants
  

• Emotional disturbances
  

Ayurvedic Sleep Rituals (Nidra Chikitsa)

1. Evening Routine (Ratri Charya)

• Eat a light, warm dinner before 8 pm.
  

• Avoid screens at least 1 hour before bed.
  

• Take a short walk after dinner to aid digestion.
  

2. Oil Therapies for Sleep

• Abhyanga (Self-Massage): Massage feet, scalp, and ears with warm sesame oil or Brahmi Taila.
  

• Padabhyanga: Special foot massage at night induces calmness and deep sleep.
  

• Shirodhara: Continuous oil flow on forehead – deeply effective for insomnia and anxiety.
  

3. Herbal Aids for Better Sleep

• Brahmi, Jatamansi, Ashwagandha: Calm the mind and nourish the nervous system.
  

• Tagara & Shankhpushpi: Natural sedatives, balance Vata & Pitta.
  

• Warm Turmeric Milk with Nutmeg: Traditional remedy for peaceful sleep.
  

4. Mind-Body Practices

• Yoga: Forward bends, Viparita Karani (legs-up-the-wall), Shavasana before bed.
  

• Pranayama: Bhramari (humming bee breath) & Anulom Vilom to calm Vata.
  

• Meditation: 5–10 min of mindfulness or chanting mantras reduces racing thoughts.
  

Vardhan’s Tip of the Week

A simple Padabhyanga (foot massage) with warm ghee or sesame oil before sleep can do wonders. It soothes Vata, improves circulation, and signals the body to rest. Try it for 7 nights in a row!

Dr. Vardhan Says

“Sleep is not a luxury—it is medicine. Just as we nourish the body with food, we must nourish the mind with restful sleep. If sleep is disturbed, no treatment, however powerful, can yield lasting results.”

Final Thoughts

Ayurveda treats insomnia not as a disease, but as a sign of imbalance. By aligning with nature’s rhythms, practicing self-care, and embracing Ayurvedic remedies, one can restore sound, refreshing sleep that heals the body and mind.

With rest and renewal,
Dr. Kranthi R Vardhan
 🌐 www.vardhanayurveda.com • 📞 7997 108 108

P.S. Struggling with insomnia, anxiety, or restless nights? Explore our Ayurvedic Sleep Restoration Program with therapies like Shirodhara, Abhyanga, and Medhya Rasayanas. Call today to bring back deep, healing sleep. Access our Newsletter Archive here.