Anxiety and insomnia - #654
I am not able to sleep. Feel restless. Taking sleeping pills. Also have severe acidity issues and thighs and knee pain. Kindly suggest something.
100% Anonymous
completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
Hello Megha, To address your issues with insomnia, restlessness, severe acidity, and knee and thigh pain from an Ayurvedic perspective, consider integrating several holistic strategies. First, incorporate Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) into your routine, as it can help reduce stress and promote relaxation; take it in powder form with warm milk before bedtime. Additionally, Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) can calm the mind and improve sleep quality, available as capsules or powder. For acidity, drink ginger tea after meals to aid digestion and soothe the stomach. Dietary adjustments are also crucial: avoid spicy, oily, and heavy foods, especially in the evening, and focus on lighter options like khichdi or soups, along with soothing foods . Establish a regular sleep routine by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, and incorporate gentle yoga to relieve tension in your thighs and knees. Practices like deep breathing exercises and meditation before bed can help calm your mind. Finally, consider massaging your knees and thighs with warm sesame oil or using warm compresses for pain relief. If symptoms persist, consulting with an Ayurvedic practitioner will provide a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
To address your difficulty in sleeping, restlessness, severe acidity, and joint pain in the thighs and knees, it is important to take a holistic Ayurvedic approach that targets these interconnected issues. Firstly, for your sleep disturbances, incorporating calming practices such as meditation and gentle yoga before bedtime can help relax your mind and body. Herbal formulations such as Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) can reduce stress and promote restful sleep. Additionally, Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi) is known for its sedative properties and can be beneficial for improving sleep quality.
For managing acidity, consider using Triphala to promote healthy digestion and detoxification, and Avipattikar Churna to alleviate symptoms of hyperacidity. Incorporating Ginger and Turmeric into your meals can also help reduce inflammation and improve digestive health. To address joint pain, Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) formulations like Kanchanar Guggulu or Maharasnadi Kadha can help relieve pain and improve mobility.
Additionally, practicing warm oil massages using Mahanarayan Oil or Sesame Oil can help alleviate joint pain and improve circulation in the affected areas. Ensure you maintain a balanced diet that includes anti-inflammatory foods, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, while avoiding processed and spicy foods that can exacerbate acidity.
Staying well-hydrated is also crucial for overall health. Regularly engaging in light physical activity, like walking or swimming, can help improve your joint function and reduce stress levels.
Ah, it sounds like you’re going through quite a bit right now! Anxiety, insomnia, acidity, and body pains—they all seem connected through dosha imbalances. Let’s dive in and see what Ayurveda might offer to help ease your symptoms.
To address insomnia and restlessness, we’ll want to focus on calming the vata dosha. This erratic energy might be ramping up those feelings of anxiety and sleeplessness. Start with a warm glass of milk before bed; you can add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of ashwagandha powder. Both are fantastic for relaxing the mind and inducing sleep. Oh, and shut off screens at least an hour before bedtime, this can really help the mind ease into rest mode.
Given the acidity issues, focusing on your digestion is essential. Try sipping on cumin and coriander seed tea after meals—steep about half a teaspoon each in hot water for 10 minutes. Avoid spicy, fried, and overly acidic foods as they can aggravate pitta, contributing to that burning sensation you feel. Eating dinner by 7pm might also give your digestive fire (agni) a break before heading to bed.
As for the thighs and knee pain, some gentle yoga or stretching might be helpful. Poses like the Pavanamuktasana can help energize the joints and relieve tension. Also, I recommend applying warm sesame oil with a little turmeric massaged into those areas before bathing. This could ease the pain and stiffness while keeping vata in balance.
Make sure that you address that pill usage with a medical professional, they might be contributing to the acidity. Remember, restoration doesn’t happen overnight. Be gentle with yourself. Try not to stress too much about immediate results, give these practices a few weeks to really make a difference.

100% Anonymous
600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.
About our doctors
Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.