CLASSICAL AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF INSOMNIA (ANIDRA) – A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: Insomnia is the most common sleep problem worldwide. It can lead to many psychosomatic
manifestations like fatigue, high blood pressure, lack of concentration and ultimately reduce the productivity and badly
hampers the quality of life. According to Ayurveda, Lack of Nidra causes many sign and symptoms like Dukha, Karshyata,
Balahani, Agnyanata even Mrityu. Mainly Vata Vaigunyata is responsible for Anidra. Ayurveda advocates some fruitful
panchakarma therapies like Nasya, Shirodhara and Murdhni Chikitsa for Mana and Indriya Vikaras. Anidra can be
clinically correlated with Insomnia. In modern medical science for the management of insomnia includes administration
of Antipsychotic and Sedatives, each of them is having its own limitations due to wide range of adverse effect. On the
other side, Ayurveda having a light of hope for this condition by correction of basic pathology particularly through
Panchakarma, like external treatment in the form of Shirodhara and internal administration like Nasya karma to treat
the Insomnia. In this present study a female patient aged 42 years of registration number 405 presented with the
complains of fatigue, sleeplessness, numbness and heaviness in head since 10 years. Treatment given is Shirodhara with
Himasagara Tailam for 30 min for the duration of 21 days and Nasya with Brahmi Ghritam for the duration of 21 days
along with Medhya Rasyana i.e. Manasmitra Vatkam, Mentocalm, Saraswata Arishta. The treatment had shown positive
response by increasing duration of sleep and quality of sleep along with over well being in terms of quality of life.