NIDROITPATTI; PHYSIOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF NIDRA

Dr. Parinita R. Kunkulol*, Dr. Revati Fulchand Burse

ABSTRACT

Ayurveda defines sleep as Nidra, which is one among the three principal pillars of life known as Trayopasthambha, along with Ahara and Brahmacharya. Good quality and adequate sleep promote mental and physical wellness and help fight off illnesses. Classical Ayurveda texts clearly mention the role of Nidra in achieving a long life and improving memory, intelligence, powers of thinking, immunity, beauty, voice, etc. Adequate sleep improves body's defenses, allowing recovering from illnesses and preventing diseases. According to Ayurveda, Nidra occurs when Manas and Indriyas get exhausted, thus achieving temporary rest. From the physiology viewpoint, Nidra follows the natural rhythm of circadian cycles and is ruled by the predominance of Kapha Dosha as well as Tamoguna. The contemporary scientific studies support the classical philosophy by proving the importance of sleep for maintaining immune function, cognitive abilities, and tissue healing. Thus, Nidra can be seen not just as a different state of relaxation, but as a process necessary for health maintenance and prevention of diseases. This article explains Ayurvedic perspective of Nidroitpatti with physiological and clinical significance of Nidra.

Keywords: Nidra, Sleep, Trayopasthambha, Indriya, Nidroitpatti.