Ayurveda Treatments for Insomnia: A Narrative Review
Abstract
Background: Sleep disorders, particularly chronic insomnia (Nidranasha), represent an escalating global public health challenge associated with extensive neuropsychological and metabolic morbidities. While conventional pharmacotherapy provides immediate symptomatic relief, concerns regarding dependency, tolerance, and altered sleep architecture necessitate the evaluation of evidence-based complementary interventions. Ayurveda offers a comprehensive multi-modality framework for sleep health through internal adaptogenic herbs (Abhyantar Chikitsa), external oil-based therapies (Bahir Parimarjana), and structured lifestyle regimens (Dinacharya/Ratricharya). This narrative literature review evaluates the current clinical and mechanistic evidence supporting Ayurvedic interventions for sleep disorders. Methods: A focused narrative review was conducted across PubMed; Scopus; Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); Google Scholar; and Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) Research Portal for literature published between 05/01/2016 and 05/01/2026. Randomized trials, open-label and single-arm clinical studies, mechanistic and phytochemical work, and toxicological and herb-drug interaction studies were eligible. Results: Standardized Withania somnifera root extract is supported by the most rigorous data, including double-blind placebo-controlled trials with polysomnographic or actigraphic corroboration reporting reductions in sleep-onset…
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