Prioritizing sleep as nourishment .

 

भूतधात्री

THE NOURISHING EFFECTS OF SLEEP

 

 यदा तु मानसि क्लानते कर्मात्मन: क्लामनविता: |  विशयेभ्यो निवृतन्ते तादा स्वपति मानव: ||

When the mind and body is exhausted, they withdraw from their objects or actions and that is when an individual is said to be in sleep.

Exhaustion can stem from various factors. Overworking, lack of sleep, chronic stress, poor nutrition, and certain medical conditions. Psychological factors like anxiety or depression can also contribute to feelings of exhaustion. Ayurveda says sleep is nothing but a location of mind in a place unconnected with sensory and motor organs.

There are two main types of sleep, REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep and non-REM (NREM) sleep. Non-REM sleep consists of three stages N1 (light sleep), N2 (deeper sleep), and N3 (deep sleep or slow-wave sleep). REM sleep is when most dreaming occurs and is characterized by rapid eye movements, increased brain activity, and muscle paralysis. These stages cycle throughout the night in approximately 90-minute intervals. What Ayurveda says similarly is -निद्रा हेतु: तम: | when Tamobhaava increases in body it causes sleep. It further gives us classification in healthy and unhealthy sleep patterns. There are totally seven different reasons for induction of sleep as per Ayurveda.

Sleep as nourishment for the body is a compelling concept. Just like food nourishes our physical body, sleep nourishes our mind, rejuvenates our organs, and revitalizes our systems. It's during sleep that the body undergoes repair, consolidation of memories, and hormonal regulation. Considering sleep as a form of nourishment highlights its crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. Prioritizing good sleep habits becomes as important as a balanced diet for a healthy life.

रात्रि स्वभावा प्रभावा माता या तां भूतधात्री प्रवदन्ति तज्ञा: |

भूतानी तानी प्राणिनो दधाति पुष्णाति इति भूतधात्री धात्रिवा धात्री ||

Ayurveda emphasizes that night-time sleep is profoundly nourishing, fostering happiness, longevity, mental clarity, and the alleviation of stress and confusion. It nourishes everyone like a mother and hence called भूतधात्री.

दिवास्वप्ना Ayurveda advocates against daytime sleeping due to its potential to induce weight gain, lethargy, and mental confusion. It suggests limited daytime rest only during illness, for very young children, the elderly, or in instances of shorter nights, like during summers/ ग्रीष्मरुतु. Saying this it does not advocate sleeping excessively. It also says excessive sleep can cause many health issues and also gives us the treatment procedures to correct conditions of excessive sleeping.

Insomnia refers to difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing non-restorative sleep, leading to daytime tiredness. It can be caused by various factors, including stress, anxiety, poor sleep habits, medical conditions, old age, and an uncomfortable bed, sleeping positions or certain medications. Ayurveda explains many different massage techniques, soups, baths, aromas music, treatments, and anointments to induce sleep. It also gives us a few diseases which can arise due to improper sleep like heaviness of body, headaches, nausea, swellings, skin diseases, lack of hunger, anorexia. Several cases can lead to mental disturbances, fever, delusions, digestive problems.

Sleep, viewed as nourishment in Ayurveda, transcends mere rest; it's a cornerstone of holistic well-being. Its profound effects on happiness, mental clarity, longevity, and rejuvenation underscore its significance. Ayurvedic principles emphasize the balance between night and day sleep, attributing to it not just physical heaviness but also its impact on mental acuity and overall vitality. Prioritizing quality sleep aligns with the fundamental tenets of nurturing the body, mind, and spirit for a balanced, healthy life.

In conclusion, recognizing sleep as a vital form of nourishment underscores its pivotal role in our lives. Prioritizing quality sleep isn't just about rest; it's bedrock of overall health. By valuing and ensuring sufficient, restorative sleep, we honor our body's need for rejuvenation, mental clarity, and physical well-being. Incorporating this understanding into our daily lives aligns with a holistic approach to health, fostering vitality, balance, and a profound sense of well-being.