Sleep is sacred. Ayurveda reveres sleep (nidra) as one of the three pillars of health (trayopastambha), alongside proper diet and balanced energy management. When sleep is deep and uninterrupted, the body rejuvenates, the mind clears, and prana (life force) flows harmoniously. Yet, in today’s overstimulated world, restful sleep often feels elusive. Ayurveda offers profound wisdom to cultivate a nourishing sleep sadhana—a nightly ritual that invites deep rest and inner balance.
The Ayurvedic Perspective on Sleep
According to Ayurveda, sleep is governed by the doshas—vata, pitta, and kapha—which influence our sleep patterns and challenges. When sleep is disturbed, it often reflects an imbalance in these energies:

• Vata-type sleep – Light, restless, and easily disrupted. Often accompanied by racing thoughts or waking up multiple times at night.
• Pitta-type sleep – Difficulty falling asleep due to an overactive mind or waking up in the early morning hours (between 2–4 AM), feeling overheated or agitated.
• Kapha-type sleep – Excessive sleep, grogginess upon waking, or feeling sluggish throughout the day.

Understanding these tendencies allows us to tailor Ayurvedic sleep rituals that bring the doshas into harmony, ensuring deep and rejuvenating rest.¹