Pillar #2: Nidrā (Sleep)

Pillar #2: Nidrā (Sleep)

If you are having issues of brain fog, fatigue, trouble gaining strength or even digestive issues look to the Āyurvedic wisdom in Pillar two of the 3 Pillars of Health. Modern science agrees with the ancients, as we often see! Studies show that optimal sleep is critical in achieving optimal health and performance. Proper sleep is required for optimal cognitive function, glymphatic cleansing and tissue homeostasis.

It is best for all body types to be mindful between the hours of 7-10pm and go to sleep when tiredness sets in. How much sleep each individual needs will depend on body type, imbalances and amount of exercise and quality of sleep that one is getting. One general recommendation is for vāta types to awaken with the sun, pitta types to awaken 1⁄2 hour before the sun and kapha types to awaken one hour before the sun.
Of course each individual is different with different needs. We must also consider that what is best for ourselves is not always achievable. There are many challenges in life that can interfere with what we might need. If you are having difficulty finding the quality sleep that your body needs, consider working with an Āyurvedic practitioner to determine what’s right for you, help set attainable goals and possibly include the use of herbs to assist and support your body to attune to your circadian rhythm.