A CONCEPTUAL STUDY OF NIDRA: ITS PHYSIOLOGY, TYPES, AND ROLE IN HEALTH AND DISEASE

Abstract

Nidra is considered one of the essential factors for maintenance of life and health in Ayurveda. Along with Ahara and Brahmacharya, it is included under Trayopastambha, the three supporting pillars of the body. Proper sleep provides happiness, nourishment, strength, reproductive capacity, knowledge, and longevity, whereas inadequate, excessive, or untimely sleep may contribute to physical and psychological disturbances. Classical Ayurvedic texts explain that sleep occurs when the mind and sensory organs become fatigued and withdraw from their respective objects. Physiological Kapha and Tamas support the initiation of sleep, whereas increased Vata, Pitta, Rajas, mental stress, pain, excessive physical activity, fasting, and emotional disturbances may interfere with normal sleep. Different types of Nidra have been described according to their causative factors, including natural nocturnal sleep and sleep arising from Kapha, mental fatigue, physical exhaustion, disease, and Tamas. The present conceptual review studies the physiological basis, types, benefits, pathological alterations, causes of Nidranasha, effects of Divaswapna and Ratrijagarana, and principles of management described in Ayurveda. The review shows that healthy sleep depends not only on duration but also on appropriate timing, individual requirement, season, age, constitution, physical activity, diet, and mental condition. Thus, proper Nidra forms an important component of Swasthavritta and contributes significantly to preservation of physical health, mental stability, sensory efficiency, digestion, strength, and quality of life.