Ayurvedic Remedies for Insomnia

Published on 10/08/24

(Updated on 08/29/25)

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Ayurvedic Remedies for Insomnia

Written by

Dr Sujal Patil

Gomantak Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya & Research Centre

I am an Ayurveda practitioner with 14+ years in the field... kind of feels surreal sometimes, coz I still learn somthing new every week. Most of what I do is rooted in the classics—Charaka, Sushruta, the texts never fail—but I also believe in using whatever modern tools help make things more precise, especially when it comes to diagnosis or tracking progress. I’m not the kind to over-medicate or go for a one-size-fits-all plan. Never made sense to me. Each case is unique, and I treat it that way. What I mostly focus on is getting to the actual cause, not just calming symptoms for now n watching them come back again. That means a lot of time goes into diet correction, lifestyle resets and explaining things in a way that patients *actually* get what’s happening in their body. I like seeing patients get involved in their own healing, not just follow prescriptions blindly. Sometimes we even manage chronic stuff with minimal meds—just by adjusting food patterns n metabolism slowly back to normal. That part honestly makes me feel most connected to why I chose Ayurveda in the first place. Over the years I’ve treated all kinds of conditions—gut issues, metabolic imbalance, hormonal shifts, skin flareups, even some tricky autoimmune cases. Clinical practice keeps me grounded but I also keep an eye on research. Evidence matters. I’ve published and presented a few times, nothing flashy—just real data from real work. I use that to fine-tune protocols, esp around Panchakarma and Rasayana, which I use often but only where it fits right. End of day, I just want to offer safe and effective care without side-effects. Ayurveda can do that, if you understand the person as a whole—not just as a diagnosis. If you ask me, that’s what makes it timeless.

In today’s hectic world, sleep disorders have become an everyday issue for many of us. Insomnia affects the quantity, time, and quality of our sleep. If left untreated, these problems make it difficult for us to complete our daily activities and can lead to a host of additional illnesses.

Sleeping disorders, including insomnia, can severely interrupt an individual’s life and cause serious damage to their physical, emotional, and mental health. Fortunately, for thousands of years, insomnia and other sleep-related conditions have been treated using Ayurveda, an Indian medicinal tradition for holistic well-being. Ayurveda for insomnia includes scientific dietary guidelines, Ayurvedic medicines, other herbal remedies, lifestyle changes, exercises and ayurvedic therapies.

What is insomnia?

Having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep is called insomnia. Acute episodes typically last one day to a few weeks. Chronic insomnia is defined as persistent sleeplessness that affects at least three nights per week for three months.

Insomnia is of two types:

Primary insomnia: sleep issues that are not related to any other illness.
Secondary insomnia: sleep issues associated with health conditions such as heartburn, arthritis, depression, cancer, asthma, as a side effect of some medications

Insomnia: An Ayurvedic Perspective

According to Ayurvedic studies, insomnia can result from the vitiation of the three doshas, either in combination or independently. Sleep difficulties are largely caused by all of the variables that aggravate the vata and pitta energies, in addition to environmental and dietary factors.

Mental stress, or Vata imbalance, is the root cause of a high Vata kind of insomnia. It causes anxious activity during the day and tension and worry. In contrast, intermittent awakening occurs when there is a pitta imbalance. Even though you might sleep through the night easily, you might wake up a lot with body aches, palpitations, and emotional disturbances like dread, rage, and despair. Another tendency is waking up early and having trouble falling back asleep.

Ayurvedic Treatment of Insomnia

The aim of Ayurvedic treatment for insomnia and other sleep disorders is often to restore the body’s balance through dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and herbal medicines. Even though sleep is one of the essential components of our well-being, it is usually the first thing that gets affected when we are stressed or sick. Consequently, there can be a vicious cycle whereby getting little sleep leads to increased tension and worry, which then precipitates even less sleep. Ayurvedic treatment surely helps you if you haven’t been able to get rid of insomnia or other sleep disorders. It brings the body and mind back into balance through herbal medicines, nutrition, and lifestyle changes. Herbal treatments that promote serenity and relaxation are commonly employed in this course of care. It is interesting to note that the conventional treatments have no cure to insomnia but sedatives are usually prescribed for an unknown duration of time, which proves to be a symptomatic treatment and not a proper cure. Whereas, Ayurveda can offer long term solutions based on the type of sleeping disorder.

Ayurvedic herbs, including Gotu Kola, Ashwagandha, and Brahmi, are frequently used to treat insomnia. Teas, oils, and herbal supplements are all effective ways to consume plants. Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Ashwagandha in particular for improving sleep and reducing stress. Ayurveda advises changes in one’s daily routine, which involves sleeping in a cool, dark room and refraining from caffeine after 2:00 p.m. Also following a proper night regimen is essential.

Medicinal Support for insomnia

These are some beneficial Ayurvedic remedies for insomnia that can be used to cure sleeplessness or insomnia. There is an Ayurveda treatment for every type of sleeping condition, and Ayurvedic medications are the most natural way to cure illnesses.

Brahmi: This potent brain tonic uplifts and enhances every facet of mental health. This herb has a calming and relaxing effect. When consumed at bedtime, a cup of Brahmi tea, powder, or any other preparation containing Brahmi will promote restful sleep, and frequent usage of it will aid in the treatment of insomnia.
Ashwagandha: This promotes increased life and longevity. It improves the mind-sense coordination that Ayurveda says is necessary for restful sleep. Half a teaspoon of powder given at night with warm milk is the recommended dosage.
Jatamansi: Studies have shown that it raises serotonin and other neurotransmitter levels. It is considered one of the best treatments for neurosis and aids in the treatment of sleep disorders. It is a sedative, antidepressant, and anti-epileptic cardiotonic.
Shankhapushpi: Herb Shankhapushpi has long been used as an herbal sedative. If you suffer from insomnia, shankhupushpi can make you fall asleep more quickly and remain asleep longer.

(These medications cannot be self- consumed without a doctor’s prescription.)

Ayurvedic techniques like yoga and pranayama can help with insomnia. Research has demonstrated that a variety of yoga poses and pranayama breathing exercises can promote restorative, deep sleep. Some of the yoga poses that help in deep sleep include child’s pose, corpse pose, legs up the wall pose, and standing forward bend.

Ask-Ayurveda and its significance

Ask-Ayurveda a pioneering Ayurvedic wellness brand, stands as a trailblazer in advocating comprehensive health solutions. Its unwavering commitment to well-being is evident through a diverse range of Ayurvedic remedies crafted specifically to address the patient’s concerns. From personalized remedies to herbal ones supporting overall well-being, Ask-Ayurveda stands as a natural haven for people seeking holistic alternatives.

Online Ayurveda Consultations:

In the contemporary hustle and bustle, convenience is paramount. Ask-Ayurveda recognizes this need and provides online Ayurvedic consultations, enabling people to access personalized advice from experienced Ayurvedic practitioners within the comforts of their homes. Booking a free pre-online consultation with Ask-Ayurveda presents a valuable opportunity for discussing individual health concerns and receiving expert guidance on seamlessly integrating Ayurveda into one’s lifestyle. The digital age has revolutionized healthcare services, and Ask-Ayurveda exemplifies this transformation by offering online consultations. This virtual platform empowers people across Europe to connect with experienced Indian Ayurvedic doctors, fostering a holistic approach to health. Through these online sessions, individuals can openly discuss their concerns, obtain personalized advice, and gain insights into Ayurvedic practices tailored to their unique needs.

Book Your Free Pre-Online Consultation:

Alveda distinguishes itself by offering a complimentary pre-online consultation, allowing individuals to experience the benefits of Ayurveda firsthand. This initiative facilitates an understanding of how Ayurveda aligns with individual health goals. It serves as an opportunity to book your free pre -online consultation and explore the holistic approach, seek answers to queries, and make informed decisions about integrating Ayurveda into their wellness journey.

Ayurveda, with its holistic approach to health, offers a wealth of remedies to address insomnia by harmonizing the body, mind, and spirit. Incorporating these Ayurvedic practices into your daily life can provide lasting relief from sleepless nights, promoting a deep and rejuvenating slumber. Embrace the wisdom of Ayurveda and let the journey towards restful sleep begin, paving the way for overall well-being and vitality.

This article is checked by the current qualified Dr. Harsha Joy and can be considered a reliable source of information for users of the site.

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Questions from users

What lifestyle changes can I make to help improve my insomnia based on Ayurvedic principles?

Logan

89 days ago

Dr Sujal Patil

89 days ago

For improving insomnia through Ayurveda, try to align your routine with natural rhythms, like going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. Reduce screen time before bed & stick to calming activities like reading or meditation. Eating a light dinner and avoiding caffeine after mid-afternoon can help too. Experiment with warm milk or herbal teas like chamomile before bed, and maybe work in some gentle yoga or pranayama to calm the mind. If you're feeling stressed, herbs like Ashwagandha or Brahmi can help soothe the nerves, but always check with a practitioner before starting any herbal treatments.

What are some specific Ayurvedic remedies for insomnia that I can try at home?

Jackson

74 days ago

Dr Sujal Patil

73 days ago

For insomnia, try sipping warm milk with a pinch of nutmeg before bed, or practicing breathing exercises to calm the mind. Try Ashwagandha tea to reduce stress, though consistency is key here. Avoid late meals to keep digestion (agni) balanced, which can affect sleep. But remember, everything depends on your unique dosha constitution!

How can I incorporate shankhupushpi into my bedtime routine for better sleep?

Charlotte

64 days ago

Dr Sujal Patil

63 days ago

You can try taking shankhpushpi as a tea before bed—steep a teaspoon in hot water for about 5-10 minutes. It helps calm the mind and supports better sleep. You could also take it in powder form with warm milk, if that works for you. Just be sure it fits your personal prakriti (constitution) and dosha balance, though! If you wanna dive deep, consulting an ayurvedic practitioner might be a good step.

What are some other yoga poses that can help improve sleep quality besides the ones mentioned?

Grayson

69 days ago

Dr Sujal Patil

68 days ago

For better sleep, you can try child's pose (Balasana), legs up the wall (Viparita Karani), or the standing forward bend (Uttanasana). These poses help calm the mind, reduce stress, and balance Vata. Practicing them before bedtime might be helpful, but everyone's different, ya know? So see what feels good for you!

What are some specific dietary changes that can help with insomnia according to Ayurveda?

Savannah

59 days ago

Dr Sujal Patil

58 days ago

To help with insomnia, Ayurveda suggests having warm, grounding foods like cooked vegetables, whole grains, and warm milk before bed. Avoid spicy or heavy foods that can disturb sleep, and caffeine too, right? Adding nuts like almonds or consuming warm Brahmi milk can promote relaxation , which is great for sleep!

What are some lifestyle changes I can try to help with my insomnia?

Joshua

54 days ago

Dr Sujal Patil

53 days ago

For insomnia, try balancing your doshas with lifestyle changes. Create a calming nighttime ritual, like winding down an hour before bed, dimming lights, and using calming scents like lavender. Regular meditation can help calm the mind. Drink warm milk or herbal tea at night to soothe vata. And also stick to a regular sleep schedule. Hope it helps!

What are some natural remedies for insomnia that might help improve sleep quality?

William

49 days ago

Dr Sujal Patil

48 days ago

hey there! So to tackle insomnia, try some herbal remedies like Gotu Kola, Ashwagandha, and Brahmi, which are awesome for calming Vata imbalances. Practicing daily routines, like sleeping in a dark, cool room, and avoiding caffeine in the afternoon, can also help. Remember, what works can vary, so listening to your body is key!

What are some specific Ayurvedic remedies I can try for secondary insomnia related to anxiety?

Henry

44 days ago

Dr Sujal Patil

43 days ago

For secondary insomnia linked to anxiety, Brahmi tea before bed is great, it's calming for the mind. Jatamansi helps boost serotonin, aiming for that deep sleep. Ashwagandha can help manage stress levels too. But always consult with a practitioner before you start anything new. Oh, and yoga or pranayama could also be great to ease that anxiety!

What are some specific Ayurvedic remedies for treating insomnia that I can try?

Samuel

39 days ago

Dr Sujal Patil

38 days ago

You can try Ashwagandha, which is really good for calming and helping sleep. Also, doing some yoga and pranayama can help you relax and get into deep sleep. Don't forget to look at your diet and maybe talk to an Ayurvedic doctor for personalized advice. Sometimes even small lifestyle change can make a big difference!

What are some specific Ayurvedic remedies I can try for primary insomnia?

Lillian

34 days ago

Dr Sujal Patil

33 days ago

For primary insomnia, you can try herbs like Ashwagandha and Shankhapushpi. They helps calm the mind and balance Vata dosha, which is often linked to sleep issues. Warm milk with a pinch of nutmeg before bed can also be soothing. Practice calming evening rituals, like warm baths or gentle yoga - that might do the trick!