Ayurveda is more than herbs or recipes for health. It is a way of living that teaches you to nurture and grow from within. The ultimate sustainable living, ayurveda promotes habits and routines that ensure your well-being inside and out. One learns different healthy ways of living that help you age slowly, focus on living to the fullest and avoiding illnesses as much as possible. As you may know, sleep is a pillar for our health. However, it is also something many people skimp on. People stay awake longer than they should, whether it is because they can’t sleep due to some illness, or they wish to spend more time doing things they like whether it is playing games, speaking to their loved ones or simply finding themselves to energetic to sleep. However, that is not healthy, here is what Ayurveda tells us about sleep and how to fix it. Sleep In Ayurveda According to the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences, sleep (Nidra) is considered one of the three essential pillars of life in Ayurveda, along with diet (Aahar) and celibacy (Brahmacharya). It's vital for physical and mental health, helping the body repair and heal, and restoring our ability to perform daily tasks. Ayurveda describes natural sleep as a state where the mind detaches from the senses due to tiredness. For healthy individuals, natural sleep occurs regularly at night. The ideal duration for a healthy adult is 6 to 8 hours daily, with a minimum requirement of 6 hours. Here are some ways you can fix your sleeping habits according to Ayurveda. Relax Your Mind and Body To sleep well, your mind and senses need to quiet down and detach from the outside world. This happens naturally when you're tired. Try gentle activities that soothe your mind, like meditation or quiet reading, to help you unwind. When your mind is at ease and not focused on external things, sleep comes more easily. Stick to a Regular Schedule Our bodies thrive on routine. Sleep is a natural rhythm, so going to bed and waking up at roughly the same time each day helps your body's internal clock. This consistent schedule trains your body to expect sleep, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up feeling refreshed, improving your overall sleep quality. Eat Foods That Support Sleep Nourish your body with foods that promote restful sleep. Choose sweet-tasting and slightly oily foods like those cooked with ghee. Including warm milk or comforting meat soups in your evening meals can be beneficial. Sweet options like grapes, sugar, or sugarcane juice products can also help calm your system before bed. Create a Cozy Sleep Space Your surroundings play a big role in how well you sleep. Make sure your bed is comfortable and inviting. Pay attention to your seating areas too, as comfort throughout the day can reduce tension. Even soft vehicle seats can contribute to overall relaxation, helping your body feel at ease when it's time to rest. Nurture Your Body with Care Give your body the attention it needs to prepare for sleep. Applying warm oil (like sesame oil) to your body, especially your head, can be very calming. Gentle massages or even traditional body trampling techniques help relax muscles and soothe your nervous system, setting the stage for deep and restorative sleep. Avoid Things That Disrupt Sleep Staying up too late at night can dry out your body and imbalance your energies, leading to issues like coughs, headaches, and indigestion. It's best to avoid prolonged nighttime awakenings. Similarly, sleeping too much during the day can make you feel heavy and cause other health problems, so generally limit daytime naps. When Daytime Naps Are Okay While generally discouraged, napping during the day can be beneficial in specific situations. It's often fine during summer because nights are shorter. Also, if you're very tired from activities like intense studying, exercise, travel, or if you're sick, elderly, or a child, a short daytime nap can help restore your energy. Be Mindful of What You Do Certain mental and emotional states can really mess with your sleep. Try to avoid too much intense thinking, worry, anger, or fear, especially before bed. These strong emotions can keep your mind active and prevent it from calming down enough for sleep. Cultivating peace before rest is key. Steer Clear of Harmful Habits What you put into your body can significantly impact your sleep. Excessive smoking, for instance, can lead to restlessness and sleeplessness. Being aware of substances that stimulate your system, especially close to bedtime, is crucial for promoting natural and undisturbed sleep, allowing your body to properly rest and rejuvenate.