🌙 Anidra (Insomnia) in Geriatrics: An Ayurvedic Perspective and Management at Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital

🛌 Introduction

Anidra, or insomnia, is a prevalent concern in the geriatric population. It manifests as difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings, or non-restorative sleep, leading to fatigue, irritability, and impaired cognition. Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to managing insomnia, focusing on the balance of doshas and mental wellness.

🌿 Ayurvedic Perspective

In Ayurveda, sleep is considered one of the three pillars of life (Tri-Upastambha), and is governed by Tamas (inertia). Anidra is primarily due to Vata dosha aggravation, which disturbs the nervous system and the natural sleep cycle.

🔹 Role of Vata:

  • Causes mental restlessness and hyperactivity

  • Impairs Majja Dhatu (nervous tissue) nourishment

  • Disrupts the flow of Prana Vata, leading to anxiety and shallow sleep

🪷 Other Contributing Factors:

  • Dhatu Kshaya: Age-related tissue depletion

  • Agni Mandya: Weak digestion leading to toxin (Ama) accumulation

  • Manasika Karana: Stress, anxiety, depression

  • Dinacharya Vyatikrama: Irregular daily habits and lifestyle

🧠 Common Causes of Insomnia in Geriatrics

  • Age-related hormonal changes affecting melatonin production

  • Chronic pain (arthritis, neuropathy)

  • Medical disorders (heart, lung, neurological conditions)

  • Medications interfering with the sleep cycle

  • Emotional distress: Depression, anxiety, loneliness

  • Sleep apnea and snoring

  • Poor sleep hygiene and irregular bedtime routines

⚠️ Signs and Symptoms of Anidra

  • Trouble falling asleep

  • Waking up multiple times during the night

  • Early morning awakening

  • Daytime sleepiness and fatigue

  • Poor memory and concentration

  • Mood swings, anxiety, and irritability

🌼 Ayurvedic Approach to Managing Anidra

✅ Pacifying Vata Dosha

  • Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Jatamansi: Calm the nervous system, reduce hyperactivity

✅ Nourishing Majja Dhatu

  • Rejuvenating therapies to support brain and nervous tissue health

✅ Improving Agni (Digestive Fire)

  • Use of herbs like Triphala, Ginger, Pippali to prevent Ama buildup

✅ Promoting Relaxation

  • Lifestyle routines and therapies to ground the mind and body

🧴 Key Therapeutic Interventions

🌿 Panchakarma Therapies

  • Shirodhara: Continuous stream of oil on the forehead—induces calm and sleep

  • Abhyanga: Full-body oil massage—relieves stress and tension

  • Padabhyanga: Foot massage—soothes the nervous system

  • Nasya: Medicated oils to nourish brain tissues and induce sleep

  • Basti: Herbal enemas to pacify Vata

🌿 Herbal Medicines

  • Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Reduces cortisol, supports restful sleep

  • Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): Enhances memory and relaxes the mind

  • Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi): Acts as a natural sedative

  • Tagara (Valeriana wallichii): Induces sleep naturally

  • Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentina): Traditionally used for insomnia and hypertension

  • Triphala: Detoxifies the body, aids digestion

🥗 Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

  • Warm, nourishing diet: Milk with ghee, nutmeg, cardamom; avoid heavy, cold, or raw foods

  • Light, early dinner: At least 2–3 hours before bedtime

  • Limit stimulants: Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and screen time before sleep

  • Establish a bedtime routine: Warm bath, reading, soft music

  • Ensure a peaceful sleep environment: Dark, quiet, cool bedroom

  • Relaxation practices: Meditation, Yoga Nidra, Bhramari Pranayama

  • Avoid naps or limit them: Especially in late afternoons

  • Consistent sleep-wake schedule: Reinforces natural circadian rhythms

🧘‍♂️ Preferable Yogasanas and Pranayama

  • Shavasana (Corpse Pose)

  • Balasana (Child’s Pose)

  • Supta Pawanmuktasana (Reclining Wind-Relieving Pose)

  • Uttanasana (Forward Bend)

  • Bhramari Pranayama (Bee Breath)

🏥 Customized Care at Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital

At Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital, we follow a personalized treatment model based on the individual’s:

  • Prakriti (body constitution)

  • Dosha imbalance

  • Sleep history and mental wellness assessment

  • Lifestyle, diet, and comorbidity review

Each treatment plan includes Panchakarma, Rasayana therapy, yoga, meditation, and herbal support, all tailored to the patient’s age and condition.

🌟 Advantages of the Ayurvedic Approach

  • Root-cause healing instead of symptom suppression

  • Natural remedies with minimal or no side effects

  • Sustainable sleep regulation and better day-time energy

  • Emotional balance and enhanced cognitive health

  • Support for other geriatric concerns like anxiety, pain, and poor digestion

🧘‍♀️ Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital: A Tranquil Haven for Geriatric Wellness

Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital offers a peaceful, holistic healing space where elderly patients receive compassionate and expert Ayurvedic care for insomnia. Our team of experienced physicians and therapists are dedicated to helping you or your loved ones reclaim restful sleep and restore overall well-being.