Ayurveda considers sleep to be one of the “Three Pillars of Life,” A round-the-clock, activity-driven society has made people defer sleep to get other priorities done. Sleep deprivation can lead to more serious health problems like high blood pressure, obesity, immunity disorder, than just a dull, clouded feeling the next morning.
Quality sleep acts as a rejuvenator of mind and body, enabling us to function best in our awake hours. Even powerful medicine is of little use if the fundamental pillars of life are not strong and solid.
Ayurveda considers the state of perfect sleep, in terms of quality, to have been achieved when a tired mind is totally disconnected from the senses. When only partial disconnect occurs, the quality of sleep is adversely impacted.
Disturbed sleep is primarily because of vata disorders. Vata sleep disturbances include restlessness and light, easily disturbed sleep that may be precipitated by worry and anxiety. There may be tossing and turning and/or frequent kicking of the legs. Disturbed pitta can be a factor also, in the form of excess focus on problem solving/planning and attempting to sleep in hot weather.
Following are suggestions for creating healthy bedtime routines and optimizing sleep.
Prepare yourself for sleep one hour before actually going to bed is when to start winding down to prepare for sleep. If your mind and body are active all the way until your head hits the pillow, it often will take awhile to calm down and settle into a state that will allow you to sleep. Avoid activities that keep your brain alert, like such as heated discussions, violent television shows, unsettling news, computer work, resolving financial issues, etc.
$ads={1} Tips for a blissful sleep
Quality sleep acts as a rejuvenator of mind and body, enabling us to function best in our awake hours. Even powerful medicine is of little use if the fundamental pillars of life are not strong and solid.
Ayurveda considers the state of perfect sleep, in terms of quality, to have been achieved when a tired mind is totally disconnected from the senses. When only partial disconnect occurs, the quality of sleep is adversely impacted.
Disturbed sleep is primarily because of vata disorders. Vata sleep disturbances include restlessness and light, easily disturbed sleep that may be precipitated by worry and anxiety. There may be tossing and turning and/or frequent kicking of the legs. Disturbed pitta can be a factor also, in the form of excess focus on problem solving/planning and attempting to sleep in hot weather.
Following are suggestions for creating healthy bedtime routines and optimizing sleep.
Prepare yourself for sleep one hour before actually going to bed is when to start winding down to prepare for sleep. If your mind and body are active all the way until your head hits the pillow, it often will take awhile to calm down and settle into a state that will allow you to sleep. Avoid activities that keep your brain alert, like such as heated discussions, violent television shows, unsettling news, computer work, resolving financial issues, etc.
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- Warm Ayurvedic oil body massage
- Soothing music
- Meditation and deep relaxation exercises.
- A warm bath
- Light or spiritual reading.
- Turn down lights and use candles instead. $ads={2}
- Eat three meals during the day — breakfast, lunch around noon and an early dinner.
- Eliminate or restrict consumption of coffee before bed.
- Wear comfortable clothing to bed — organic cotton is highly recommended.
- Avoid hot, spicy foods at dinner.
- Do not bring work-related material into the bedroom.
- A gentle massage of hands, feet and neck before bed can aid relaxation.
- In bed, take long, deep, easy breaths, letting your mind and body relax.
- Maintain a regular sleep and a get up time.