I
t’s easy to think nothing of missing a little sleep here or there, especially to
accomplish more work. I used to believe this, and stayed up many a late night
to try to take advantage of the quietness that nighttime provides.
The reality of losing sleep, however, is quite grim. Whereas proper sleep gives
you the ability to receive knowledge, the ancient Ayurveda texts teach us that
lack of proper sleep not only puts us in poor mental states, but also deteriorates
our memory, and hampers our focus, creativity and decision-making abilities.
In this sense, regular lack of sleep easily gives rise to ignorance, in terms of both
thoughts and behavior.
Modern health experts agree. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) even
conducted a study that found that poor sleep at night can impair our behavior
just as much as being legally drunk does.
As a lifelong student, and now teacher and practitioner of Ayurveda, I am most
passionate about promoting the sub-science of Ayurveda called Svasthavritta,
which includes many all-natural, dietary and lifestyle-based solutions to a variety
of health challenges, including insomnia.
As someone who used to suffer from chronic insomnia, these four all-natural
Ayurvedic insomnia solutions have worked wonders for me.
1. Sleep by 10pm and arise by 6am
“Early to bed, early to rise” is not only a popular colloquial expression; it’s also
one of Ayurveda’s most important insomnia solutions. By going to sleep no
later than 10pm, and arising no later than 6am, you benefit from the time
frame that is easiest to fall and remain asleep. You will also live in greater
overall harmony with the natural cycles of day and night.
Four Ayurvedic Strategies to
Help You Sleep Better
Ananta Ripa Ajmera
18
Enlightenment Journal | Summer 2017
HEALTHY LIVING