Insomnia is defined as a difficulty in initiating or maintaining sleep, or both. Insomnia can be transient, short-term or chronic. Travel, changes in the work environment, stressful situations, psychological or physical illnesses, the use of certain medications and stimulants, and some primary sleep disorders are believed to be the cause for insomnia. Common symptoms include a lack of sleep, a poor quality of sleep, poor concentration and focus, difficulty with memory, impaired co-ordination, fatigue, irritability and impaired social interaction.

The Ayurvedic treatment of insomnia is aimed at treating the symptoms and correcting the basic cause of the condition. Cognitive behavioral therapies which include sleep hygiene, relaxation therapy, stimulus control and sleep restriction are simple non-medical therapies which work very well for insomnia and should be used for all patients as the first line of management for this condition. Commonly used Ayurvedic medicines for this condition are: Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentina), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Khurasani ova (Hyoscyamus niger) and Jayphal (Myristica fragrans). These medicines are used as symptomatic therapy for insomnia.

In addition, further treatment is tailor-made according to the presentation of symptoms based on the principles of Ayurved. Saraswatarishta, Brahmi-Vati, Ashwagandharishta, Dashmoolarishta, Nidrodaya-Ras, Shankhodar-Ras, Karpooreshwar-Ras, Ahifenasav and other medicines are used on a short term basis. A light massage of the entire body is recommended using medicated oils like Mahanarayan oil, Mahamash oil and Chandan- Bala-Laxadi oil. Some patients benefit from a course of medicated enemas using oil, milk and ghee combined with medicines like Dashmool (Ten roots). A special procedure called ‘Shirodhara’ has proved to be beneficial for people with insomnia. In this procedure, a steady drip of medicated oil or milk is directed upon the forehead of the reclining patient for about 10 to 20 minutes. This procedure brings about a relaxation of the mind and body and allows the affected person to get some good sleep.

It is important to adequately address the causes for insomnia. Known offending medications and stimulants should best be avoided. Stress, anxiety, depression, and physical illnesses should be adequately treated. It is important for people suffering from insomnia to modify their lifestyles, work environments and bed-time routines so as to derive maximum benefit for their well being.