Insomnia is a medical condition in which an affected individual is unable to get or maintain sleep for the desired average duration of time. Loss of sleep can result in fatigue, irritability, lack of concentration, disturbed social interaction, and an inability to work properly or carry on day-to-day activities. Insomnia can result from stress, anxiety, excessive travel, changes in the workplace, physical diseases, use of certain drugs, and drug misuse. The modern management of insomnia consists of pep talk as well as the use of sedatives and sleep inducing drugs, which unfortunately are habit forming and have lesser effect over time.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment for insomnia consists of first looking for the cause of insomnia and treating this cause. Stress and anxiety can be treated with Ayurvedic herbal medicines, which are safe and not habit forming; these medicines treat the root cause of the condition and thereby cure insomnia. The presence of diseases which contribute to insomnia need to be investigated and treated properly with the appropriate Ayurvedic herbal medicines. If insomnia results from drastic or undesirable changes in the workplace, medicines can be given to boost the confidence of the individual so that he or she and successfully cope up with the changes. Drug misuse can similarly be treated with Ayurvedic herbal medicines so that the abuse can be stopped or minimized and its effect on the body can be treated completely.
In addition, Ayurvedic herbal medicines are also given to regularize the digestion as well as to remove excessive heat from the body through the kidneys. In most individuals affected with chronic insomnia, this treatment is sufficient to cure the insomnia and bring about a feeling of well-being. Lastly, people who do not improve with all the above-mentioned medicines are given herbal medicines which soothe the brain and gradually bring about regular sleep in the desired quantity. Herbal medicines used for this purpose strengthen the brain and nervous system and treat anxiety and agitation. These medicines cure insomnia, but are not habit forming, and can be gradually discontinued without any fear of a relapse of the condition.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment is thus very effective in the management and treatment of insomnia.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
