Struggling with Sleep and Gut Issues After Depression - #45006

Balancing sleep and digestion involves understanding how interconnected they are, especially considering a history of clinical depression. In Ayurveda, disruptions in sleep and gut health can often relate to vata dosha imbalance. Vata governs movement and change, so any disturbance can manifest as sleep problems or digestive disturbances like acidity.

To address your sleep issues, consider adopting a nightly routine to pacify vata. Aim to get to bed by 10 PM, as the late-night hours are governed by vata energy, which can hinder sleep. A warm foot bath before bed helps sooth the nervous system and induce sleep. Use 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil to massage your scalp and feet gently in circular motions to calm the mind.

For your gut, avoid cold foods and beverages, which increase vata and disrupt your digestive fire, known as agni. Instead, prefer warm, cooked meals such as kichadi, which is easy to digest and nourishes jatharagni. Incorporate digestive spices like cumin, fennel, and coriander into your meals to support digestion and alleviate hyperacidity. Drinking warm water with ginger slices through out the day can balance your agni as well.

Nutrient deficiencies, particularly B12 and D, should be approached through both supplementation and dietary intake. Foods like cow’s milk, ghee, and leafy greens are supportive for these deficiencies. Still, it’s essential to discuss supplementation with a doctor, especially since you’re facing persistent low levels.

Yoga and meditation can support hormonal balance by reducing stress and calming down nerves. Daily practices like deep breathing exercises, (such as pranayama) greatly benefit those with vata imbalance, encouraging mental stability and physiological relaxation.

If these symptoms of low vitamin levels persist or worsen, seeking a healthcare professional’s advice for appropriate testing & treatment is crucial.

Your symptoms suggest a considerable Vata imbalance, which often affects both the nervous system and digestion. This imbalance could be linked with your history of depression and ongoing issues. First, to assist in correcting this imbalance, focus on grounding and cooling practices.

For sleep, consider taking warm milk (preferably cow’s milk if you tolerate it) with a pinch of nutmeg and a little honey before bed. Nutmeg is soothing for Vata and can promote restful sleep. Another option could be Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) tea, taken in the evening. Brahmi supports the nervous system and may aid sleep without dependency. Avoid screens, caffeine, and rigorous activity before sleep, too, as these can further aggravate Vata.

Addressing your gut issues involves paying attention to Agni, or digestive fire. Begin each day with a glass of warm water with a teaspoon of ajwain (carom seeds) steeped in it. Ajwain can relieve bloating and acidity. Meals should be warm, freshly prepared and light — prefer soupy, less spicy foods during dinner. Ghee can be beneficial in both calming vata and supporting digestion, so adding a small amount to meals may help.

It’s esssential that you seek professional advice to remedy your vitamin deficiencies. Your described symptoms might indicate that theyre contributing to the sleep problems and fatigue. If you haven’t already, getting a prescription for Vitamin D supplements and ensuring B12 injections are administered under medical guidance is critical. Deeper evaluation by a healthcare provider is important should there be underlying issues needing immediate attention.