Insomnia is a sleep disorder in which the person fails to fall or stay asleep. Insomnia can be short term (acute) and or long term (chronic). It is occasionally a symptom of an underlying physiological or psychological condition but it may be caused by stress or life style changes.
Insomnia can lead to severe fatigue, anxiety, depression and lack of concentration. Sleep (Nidra) is one among the 13 vegas (natural urges). The suppression of these natural urges lead to several harmful effects in the body.
In Sanjeevanam, our insomnia management program includes the procedures and medications in view of its effects on both physiological and psychological conditions of the body. In short the procedures like Abhyanga (massage of body), Shirodhara (gently pouring medicated oils/liquids over the head), Samvahana (soothing massage), Udsaadana (paste application), Snaana (bath), Karnapoorana (keeping of lukewarm oil in the ear canals), Akshitharpana (where circular formed frames are placed around the eyes and lukewarm medicated ghee is poured in the frames and kept for a particular time period), Shiroabhyanga (complete massage of head, neck and shoulders) and Padabhyanga (foot massage),give the best results in managing sleep disorders, body relaxation and pain relief.
Practice of pranayama like anuloma viloma and meditation along with yama and niyama, suryanamaskara, padmasana and paschimottanasana and shavasana etc are some of the yoga practices that help to reduce stress and better the functioning of the mind.
Best foods to help you sleep
The vitamins and minerals that promote sleep are tryptophan, magnesium, calcium and B6. These substances help the body produce melatonin. Melatonin is the hormone responsible for regulating the circadian rhythm.
Foods rich in Tryptophan are:
Magnesium is known as the “sleep mineral”. Rich sources include
Calcium helps the brain make melatonin.
Diary products that contains both tryptophan and calcium are among the best sleep inducers. Sources of calcium are:
Vitamin B6 helps to convert tryptophan into melatonin. Highest sources of B6 are:
Few foods naturally contain melatonin.
Chandra Bedhana Pranayama
The meaning of chandra is moon and Bhedana means to pierce. The left nostril is associated with the body’s cooling energy. This pranayama practice helps to reduce stress. When practiced, it messages the organs that activate the onset of sleep, signaling your vagus nerve to send a message to the brain to relax.