Original Article
A Short Review On “IMPORTANCE of Nidra (Sleep) in Ayurveda”
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Dr.
Dnyaneshwar Kantaram Jadhav 1*, Dr. Gautam
Jagdish Bhaisare 2 1 MD Ayurved,
Kaychikitsa, Associate Professor, Department of Swastawritta, Shri Dhanwantari Ayurvedic Medical College,
Mathura, India 2 MD Ayurved, Kriya
Sharir, Professor, Department of Kriya Sharir, Shri Dhanwantari Ayurvedic
Medical College, Mathura, India |
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ABSTRACT |
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In Ayurveda, Nidra (sleep) is described as one of the three pillars of life. Ahara (diet) and Brahmacharya (regulated lifestyle) and nidra (sleep) three pillars called as Trayopastambha. Proper Nidra plays a important role in maintaining physical as well as mental well-being. During sleep, the body undergoes repair and rejuvenation process. Proper sleep nourishes the dhatus (tissues), enhances strength (bala), supports immunity (ojas), and restores energy lost during the day. Sleep play major role in the balance of the three doshas also. Nidra is equally important for mental health also. It improves concentration, memory, and decision-making ability, calming stress. Proper Nidra improve skin complexion that’s why, nidra is often called a “Natural cosmetic.” Disturbances in sleep lead to many disorders. Thus, Nidra is not only rest but a restorative process essential for physical and mental health, immunity. Keywords: Nidra, Review, Ayurveda, Sleep |
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INTRODUCTION
According to Ayurveda, Nidra (sleep) is one of the three pillars of health Garde (2009). Aahar, brahmchrya and nidra are three pillars of life. These three supports are considered essential for preserving life, maintaining health, and preventing disease. Sleep is not simply downtime but a fundamental biological and psychological function that influences strength, clarity of mind, emotional balance, and immunity.
Ayurveda regards sleep as a natural restorative process. This process brings harmony to the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), revitalizes tissues, supports digestion (Agni), and stabilizes the nervous system. Disturbed or insufficient sleep (Anidra) is believed to be a root cause of numerous health problems. Fatigue, anxiety, poor digestion, weak immunity, and premature aging etc are due to Anidra.
Unlike modern views that often consider sleep a passive state. Ayurveda emphasizes its quality, timing, and duration, which vary depending on one’s constitution (Prakriti), age, season, and lifestyle. For instance, Kapha-dominant individuals may need less sleep, while Vata-predominant individuals are more prone to irregular sleep patterns.
Man required 6-8 hours of sleep everyday for good health. Period of sleep of infant is long (16-18 hrs), its decreases as per age. In adult its 7-8 hours and in old age its goes down up to 4-5 hours.
This introduction highlights Nidra’s role in Ayurvedic health philosophy. Its balancing
functions for both body and mind. This review paper related to Nidra which cover Ayurvedic philosophy
of nidra
and its impact on body-mind system.
MECHANISM OF NIDRA
In Ayurveda, Nidra (sleep) is not just a passive state but a vital physiological process. It is one of the Trayopastambha (three pillars of life), alongside Ahara (food) and Brahmacharya (regulated conduct).
The mechanism of Nidra involves the interplay of the mind (Manas), the senses
(Indriyas), and the biological forces (Doshas
and Gunas).
The Core Physiological Process
According
to the classical texts (specifically the Charaka Samhita), sleep occurs
through a specific sequence of exhaustion and withdrawal:
·
Fatigue
of the Mind (Manas): When
the mind becomes exhausted by continuous sensory processing and thinking, it
loses its sharpness.
·
Withdrawal
of Senses (Indriyas): As the mind tires, the sensory and motor
organs (eyes, ears, etc.) detach from their respective objects (Vishaya).
·
Dissociation
from the Soul (Atma): When
the mind and senses become inactive and dissociate from the self/soul, the
individual enters the state of Nidra.
The Three Major Theories
Ayurvedic Acharyas
explained the physiology of sleep through different conceptual frameworks:
1)
The
Tamas Theory (Acharya Sushruta)
The mind is governed by three qualities: Sattva (clarity), Rajas (activity), and Tamas (inertia).
· Mechanism: When Tamo Guna (the quality of darkness and stability) dominates the mind and covers the Hridaya (heart/seat of consciousness), the person falls asleep.
·
Awakening: Awakening occurs when Sattva
Guna becomes predominant again.
2)
The
Kapha-Srotas Theory (Acharya Vagbhata)
This theory focuses on the physical blockage of the channels of consciousness.
· Mechanism: Accumulation of Kapha Dosha (the water/earth element) occurs in the Manovaha Srotas (channels of the mind).
·
Result: This "heavy"
accumulation blocks the flow of sensory information, leading to the heaviness
and stillness of sleep.
3)
The
Fatigue Theory (Acharya Charaka)
Sleep is viewed as a restorative necessity following exertion.
·
Mechanism: Physical and mental
exertion (Shrama) leads to the exhaustion of
the Indriyas. To recover, the body naturally
induces a state of inactivity (Nidra).
NIDRA [ACCORDING TO CHARAKA SAMHITA]
Definition of
Nidra Tripathi (2010):
Yada tu manasi klante
karmatmanah klamanvitah |
Vishayebhyo
nivartante tada svapiti manavah ||
Meaning of the
Definition:
Manasi Klante: When the Mind (Manas) becomes exhausted or fatigued.
Karmatmanah Klamanvitah: When the Sensory (Jnanendriya) and Motor (Karmendriya) organs also become tired.
Vishayebhyo Nivartante: When the mind and senses detach or withdraw from their respective objects (external stimuli).
Tada Svapiti Manavah: At that moment, the human being enters the state of sleep.
In simpler terms, maharshi Charaka defines sleep as a state where the mind and senses are so
fatigued that they can no longer perceive external objects, leading the
individual to disconnect from the surroundings to rest.
Contraindications
(Day Sleep) Tripathi (2010) :
Charaka generally
prohibits sleeping during the day (Diva-swapna).
Diva-swapna increases Kapha and Pitta, leading to
obesity, heaviness, and skin diseases.
Exception:
Sleeping during the day is only permitted in the Grishma Ritu (summer season).
In the Grishma Ritu the nights are short. The body’s Vata and Rukshata (dryness) increase due to the heat.
Nidra as Adharniya vega Tripathi (2010) :
A In charak samhita nidra
is mentioned under adharniya vega.
Types of Nidra (According to Charaka Samhita)
In charak samhita there is
description of 6 types of nidra.
1)
Tamobhava Nidra:
Tamobhava Nidra is occurs Due to prominent Tamasguna. Due to increase of TamasGuna
will give rise inertia, dullness, mental heaviness to body. Its increase
laziness and heaviness of body and mind too.
2)
Shleshmasamudbhava Nidra:
Shleshmasamudbhava
Nidra is occurs due to prominent Kaphadosha. In this
type of nidra heaviness occurs in body
.Its Natural, restorative nidra
3)
ManahShramaSambhava Nidra:
Nidra occurs due
to mental, In this type of nidra,
the body naturally demands rest after fatigue.
4)
ShariraShramaSambhava Nidra:
Nidra occurs due to physical exertion. In this
type of nidra, the body naturally demands rest after
fatigue.
5)
Agantuki Nidra:
Agantukinidra occurs
due to injury, poisoning, alcohol, or medicines. This type of nidra is Consider as abnormal and not healthy.
6)
VyadhiAnubandhini Nidra:
VyadhiAnubandhini Nidra is occurs due to complication of
disease as one of the symptom. Example: excessive
sleep in conditions like diabetes (Prameha),
depression, fever stages, etc.
7)
RatriSwabhavaprabha Nidra (Bhutadhatri
Nidra):
RatriSwabhavaprabha Nidra is occurs at night due to nature’s
cycle. Its called as normal nidra. This nidra is Consider as
best nidra. Its nourishing sleep for body and mind.
NIDRA [ACCORDING TO SUSHRUT SAMHITA]
The primary and
most detailed reference for Nidra (sleep) is found in the sushrut
samhita.
Description of nidra found in “Garbha Vyakarana Shariram”,which is Sharira Sthana’s fourth adhaya.While
most Ayurvedic samhita discuss nidra
in the context of daily routine (Sutrasthana).
Sushruta places nidra in the section on
Anatomy/Embryology (sharir sthana)
to highlight how sleep is an essential physiological process tied to the heart
and consciousness.
References AND Concepts of Nidra
1)
The
Mechanism of Sleep (The Heart & Tamas) Sharma (2010): Sushruta explains that sleep occurs when the heart—the seat of
consciousness—is “covered” by Tamas.
“Hridaya is the seat of consciousness (Chetana) in living beings. When it is
overwhelmed by Tamas, sleep enters the body.”
2)
The
Lotus Analogy Sharma (2010): He compares the heart to a lotus flower to explain the waking and
sleeping states:
3)
The
heart is shaped like a downward-facing lotus. It opens (expands) when a person
is awake and closes (contracts) when the person sleeps.
4)
Classification
of Nidra: Sushruta describes
Nidra as “Vaishnavi Maya” (the divine illusive energy of Lord Vishnu) because
it naturally affects all living beings. He classifies it based on the dominance
of the Trigunas:
TYPES OF NIDRA (ACCORDING TO SUSHRUT)
1)
Tamasi: Predominance of Tamas : Occurs at the time of
death (unconsciousness) or causes excessive sleep during day and night.
2)
Swabhaviki: Predominance of Sattva :Natural, healthy
sleep that occurs at midnight.
3)
Vaikariki: Increase in Vata/Pitta or Disease :
Pathological sleep or insomnia (Nidranasha) caused by
mental or physical distress.
The Effects of
Proper Sleep Sharma (2010):
Sushruta
emphasizes that the following “pairs” of life depend entirely on the quality of
sleep :
Table 1
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Table 1 Showing Effect of
Samyak Nidra |
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Sukha-Dukha (Happiness and Misery) |
Pushti-Karshya (Nourishment and Emaciation) |
|
Bala-Abala (Strength and Weakness) |
Vrishata-Kleebata (Virility and Impotence) |
|
Jnana-Ajnana
(Knowledge and Ignorance) |
Jivita-Mrityu
(Life and Death) |
·
In sushrut sutra stan they Mentions the importance of sleep in
the management of surgical patients (Vranita). Sharma (2010)
·
In sushrut chikitsa stan Discusses the management of sleep
disorders and the benefits of timely sleep for balancing the Dhatus. Here they
mention that never sleep with head down position Sharma (2010)
NIDRA [ACCORDING TO ASHTANGA SANGRAH]
In Ashtanga Sangraha, Reference of Nidra (sleep) is more extensive and
detailed than in the Ashtanga Hridayam. While both
texts share the same core philosophy, the Sangraha
provides a specific physiological mechanism and a unique seven-fold
classification.
The Physiology
of Sleep (Samprapti) Ranade and Paranjape (2006)
Vagbhata explains the onset of sleep through the
involvement of Kapha and the exhaustion of the sensory channels. When the Manovaha Srotas (channels of the
mind) are covered or filled with Shleshma (Kapha) and
the sense organs (Indriyas) withdraw from their
functions due to fatigue (Shrama), the individual
enters the state of sleep.
Types of Nidra ( According to Astang sangrah )
Ranade and Paranjape (2006)
Unlike other texts
that may list six types, Ashtanga Sangraha explicitly
identifies seven types of sleep based on their origin:
Benefits of
proper sleep (Nidra) Ranade and Paranjape (2006)
Acharya Vagbhata states that the following factors are directly
dependent on proper sleep:
Sukha
(Happiness): Quality sleep
fosters a positive state of mind and emotional stability.
Pushti
(Nourishment/Growth): It is
essential for the proper development of body tissues (Dhatus) and maintaining a
healthy physique.
Bala
(Strength): Sleep
rejuvenates the body, replenishes energy, and enhances physical and
immunological strength.
Vrishata
(Virility): It supports
reproductive health and sexual potency.
Jnana
(Knowledge/Intelligence):
Proper rest allows the mind to process information, leading to better clarity,
memory, and wisdom.
Jivita
(Life/Longevity): Consistent,
healthy sleep patterns are linked to a longer, healthier lifespan.
NIDRA [ACCORDING TO ASHTANGA HRIDAYAM]
One of the core
classical texts of Ayurveda written by Acharya Vagbhata, Nidra (sleep) is
treated as a vital physiological function. It is categorized as one of the Trayopastambha (Three Pillars of Life), alongside Ahara
(food) and Brahmacharya (regulated conduct).
The Significance of Sleep:
Happiness and
misery, nourishment and emaciation, strength and weakness, virility and
impotence, knowledge and ignorance, life and its cessation all these depend on
sleep. Garde (2009)
Benefits of
Timely Sleep (Kala Nidra)
When taken at the
right time and in the right proportion, sleep provides:
Table 2
|
Table 2 Showing Benefit of Kala Nidra |
|
|
Sukha: Physical and mental happiness |
Pushti:
Proper nourishment of the body tissues |
|
Bala:
Physical strength and immunity |
Vrushata: Sexual vigor and fertility |
|
Jnana:
Clarity of mind and intellect |
Jeevitam: Long, healthy life |
Types of Nidra (According to vagbhata)
Vagbhata classifies sleep into seven types based on
its origin:
1)
Kala-svabhava:
Natural sleep occurring at night (physiological).
2)
Amaya: Sleep caused by diseases.
3)
Chitta-kheda:
Sleep due to mental exhaustion.
4)
Deha-kheda:
Sleep due to physical exhaustion.
5)
Kaphaja: Sleep caused by an increase in Kapha Dosha.
6)
Agantuja: Sleep caused by external factors (e.g., injury or poisoning).
7)
Tamobhava: Sleep caused by the predominance of Tamas (the quality of
darkness/dullness).
Rules and Contraindications
The text provides
specific guidelines on when to sleep and when to stay awake:
1)
Ratri
Jagarana (Night Awakening): Staying awake at night increases Vata and
causes Rukshata (dryness) in the body. Garde (2009)
2)
Diva-svapna (Daytime Sleep): Generally prohibited as it increases Kapha and Pitta, leading to
heaviness, indigestion, and skin diseases.
·
Exceptions: Day sleep is allowed in summer (Grishma
Ritu), for the elderly, children, those exhausted by travel/work, or those
suffering from grief or respiratory issues. Garde (2009)
·
Sitting
Sleep: If one must sleep
during the day, doing so in a sitting posture is considered less harmful as it
does not excessively increase Kapha.
Suppression of Sleep (Nidra Vega) Garde (2009)
In Roganutpadaniya Adhaya, sleep is listed as one of the 13
Natural urges (Adharaneeya Vegas) that should never
be suppressed. Suppressing the urge to sleep leads to:
Table 3
|
Table 3 Showing Side
Effect Due to Suppression of Sleep (Nidra Vega) |
|
|
Delusion or confusion (Moha) |
|
|
Lassitude and
frequent yawning |
Body aches |
The Impact of
Improper Sleep Garde (2009)
Ayurveda warns
against two extremes: Nidranasha (Insomnia)
and Atinidra (Excessive sleep).
NIDRA [ACCORDIG TO YOGA AND VEDANTA PHILOSOPHY]
In Yoga
philosophy, Nidra is seen as a state of consciousness rather than just a
physiological need.
Nidra according to Yoga Sutras (Patanjali)
Patanjali describes panchvrittis
Satchidananda (1985) (mental modifications) ,
Nidra is one of them.
Definition of nidra :
(Accordingly patanjali)
“Abhavapratyayaalambanavrittinidra”
In yoga sutra nidra is define as, it is a mental modification based on
the absence of conscious activity.
Types of Nidra
(Accordingly patanjali)
There are
descriptions of types of nidra based on guna
dominance
1) TamasicNidra: heavy, dull, leading to ignorance.
2) RajasicNidra: restless sleep, filled with dreams, disturbances.
3) SattvicNidra: deep, calm, restorative sleep (closest to Yoga Nidra).
Yoga Nidra
·
A guided
relaxation practice (conscious sleep).
·
Helps balance
doshas, reduce stress, and restore body-mind harmony.
NIDRA IN MODERN CLASSIFICATION Ramar et al. (2021)
Modern medicine,
"normal sleep" is no longer defined solely by its duration. It is
viewed as a multidimensional construct. This multidimensional construct
includes duration, quality, timing, efficiency, and the absence of disorders
Modern science
also classifies sleep into two main types, cycling through the night:
1)
Non-REM
Sleep (NREM)
·
Stages
1–4, from light to deep sleep.
·
Stage 3
& 4 = Slow-wave deep sleep (restorative).
2)
REM
Sleep
·
Characterized
by rapid eye movement, dreams, memory consolidation.
·
Description
of Ayurveda’s RatriSwabhavaprabhaNidra aligns with
modern ‘NREM deep sleep’, being the most restorative.
MODERN BIOLOGICAL MARKERS
Beyond time and
stages, "normal" sleep is evaluated by several objective and
subjective markers:
Sleep Latency: The ability to fall asleep within
approximately 30 minutes of going to bed.
Sleep
Efficiency: The proportion
of time spent asleep relative to the total time spent in bed
Wake After
Sleep Onset (WASO): A key
indicator of sleep quality; normal sleep has minimal fragmentation or long
periods of wakefulness after initially falling asleep.
Metabolic
Clearance: A modern
discovery suggests sleep is a period of "cleaning" where the
glymphatic system clears metabolic waste products (like amyloid-beta) from the
brain.
IMPORTANCE OF NIDRA IN AYURVEDA
In Ayurveda, Nidra (sleep) is regarded as one of the three pillars of life (Trayopastambha), along with Ahara (diet) and Brahmacharya (regulated lifestyle). Just as a building rests firmly on strong pillars, the balance of these three factors ensures health, vitality, and longevity.
Proper Nidra plays a crucial role in maintaining both physical and mental well-being. During sleep, the body undergoes repair and rejuvenation. It nourishes the dhatus (tissues), enhances strength (bala), supports immunity (ojas), and restores energy lost during the day. Adequate sleep also maintains the balance of the three doshas- Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
For the mind, Nidra is equally important. It improves concentration, memory, and decision-making ability, while calming stress and promoting emotional stability. Classical texts also highlight the role of sleep in enhancing beauty, complexion, and radiance; hence Nidra is often called a “natural cosmetic.”
Disturbances in sleep lead to disorders: insufficient sleep (Nidranasha) Ranade and Paranjape (2006) causes weakness, anxiety, and premature aging,
while excessive sleep (Ati-nidra) Garde (2009) results in
obesity, diabetes (prameha),
and lethargy. Ayurveda emphasizes that natural night sleep (RatriSwabhavaprabhaNidra) is the healthiest. Day
sleep which called as Diwaswap is generally
discouraged. In summer, children, elderly, and the sick can be skip from this
rule. Thus, Nidra is not merely rest but a restorative process essential for health, immunity, mental
peace, and longevity. Nidra is a cornerstone of Ayurvedic lifestyle.
DISCUSSION
Ayurveda
recognizes Nidra (sleep) as one of the three essential supports of
health, along with food and a regulated lifestyle. Quality sleep is vital for
physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It replenishes energy, strengthens
immunity, supports digestion, and enhances longevity.
Insufficient or
disturbed sleep disrupts doshic balance and causes
many disorders. Nidra is not merely rest but a profound therapeutic process
that renews body and mind.
CONCLUSION
In Ayurveda, Nidra
is considered one of the three pillars of health. It is essential for
maintaining physical, mental, and emotional balance. Ayurvedic samhita like Charaka Samhita emphasize that ‘sound sleep
nourishes the body’ just like wholesome food does.
In short, Nidra is
not merely rest, but a vital therapeutic process that allows the body and mind
to heal and rejuvenate.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
None.
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