Sleep, through the lens of Ayurveda
Ayurvedic texts offer insights into the relationship between sleep and the doshas. For example, individuals with a dominant vata constitution may struggle with insomnia or erratic sleep patterns due to an overactive mind and nervous system. Pitta types, on the other hand, may experience difficulty falling asleep due to heightened mental activity and internal heat, while kapha types may be prone to oversleeping or lethargy if their natural rhythms are disrupted.1
The body constantly receives various sensory stimuli that must be processed, causing fatigue in the sensory-motor system. This fatigue leads to a reduced ability to perceive stimuli. The connection between sensory organs and the mind, supported by Prana Vayu, Udana Vayu, Vyana Vayu, Sadhaka Pitta, Tarpaka Kapha, and Rasa Dhatu, becoming weakened. As a result, the mind retracts, leading to sleep. This retraction allows the body to restore vitality and the mind’s functional capacity. The depth of sleep is directly related to the extent of this mental withdrawal.2
Understanding the sleep cycle According to Ayurved
Ayurveda recognizes the circadian rhythm through the daily cycle of the three doshas Vata, Pitta, and Kapha which govern the body’s physical and mental functions throughout the 24-hour day. Each dosha dominates during specific times. During the first one-third of the night, Kapha dosha dominates, bringing heaviness to the body and calming the mind, making it easier to fall asleep. Food mixes with digestive juices, starting digestion, while the mind experiences deep relaxation and peace. In the second one-third, pitta dosha takes over, driving active digestion and metabolism as the body breaks down food and absorbs nutrients. The final one-third is dominated by vata dosha, which supports circulation and elimination. During this phase, the mind becomes more active and alertness returns. Organs like the lungs, heart, and intestines also become more active, preparing the body to wake.3
According to Modern science
Circadian rhythm is your body’s natural 24-hour clock that tells you when to wake up, eat, and sleep. It is controlled by a part of the brain that responds to light. In the morning, sunlight helps you feel awake and alert. During the day, your body works best, with good energy and focus. In the evening, when it gets dark, your body starts to slow down. A hormone called melatonin is released, which makes you feel sleepy. At night, your body rests and repairs itself while you sleep. This rhythm also controls hunger, digestion, and body temperature. If your sleep schedule is irregular or you stay up late with screens, your rhythm can get confused. Keeping a regular routine and getting sunlight during the day helps keep your body clock healthy.4
How to maintain a health circadian rhythm while travelling and jet lag
Jet lag is a temporary condition that occurs when traveling across multiple time zones, causing the body’s internal clock to become misaligned with local time. Common symptoms include fatigue, insomnia, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. The severity of jet lag depends on the number of time zones crossed and the direction of travel, with eastward travel generally causing more intense symptoms. This happens because the body adapts more easily to a longer day than a shorter one. Melatonin, a hormone released in darkness, plays a key role in regulating sleep-wake cycles and is often used to help reset the internal clock. Light exposure also significantly influences how quickly the body adjusts to new time zones. With proper management, most people recover from jet lag within a few days.5
Christell Life Wellness Retreat at Aditya Resort offers a range of specialized treatments to ease jet lag symptoms and restore balance. Therapeutic massages help relax tense muscles and improve circulation, reducing fatigue and stress. Oxygen jacuzzi revitalizes the body by increasing oxygen levels, boosting energy and mental clarity. Traditional Ayurvedic treatments like Shirodhara gently soothe the nervous system by pouring warm oil over the forehead, promoting deep relaxation and better sleep. Together, these therapies help travelers quickly recover from jet lag and enjoy renewed vitality.
How Aditya Resort’s environment and Christell Life Wellness Retreat treatments support better sleep
Aditya resort’s environment is carefully designed to promote restful sleep through a combination of calming treatments and thoughtful interior design. The rooms feature soft, neutral colors that create a peaceful and soothing atmosphere, helping to reduce stress and prepare the mind for relaxation.
Beds at Aditya resort are ergonomically designed with high-quality mattresses and breathable, luxurious linens made from natural fabrics like cotton or linen, which keep the body comfortable and cool throughout the night.
The mimicking natural light cycles to gently signal the body when it’s time to wind down. Quiet surroundings allow guests to fall asleep and stay asleep more easily. Natural elements such as indoor plants and gentle water features contribute to a tranquil ambiance that lowers anxiety and promotes calmness.
Christell Life Wellness Retreat in Aditya Resort also offers treatments like guided meditation, aromatherapy, Ayurvedic massages and integrative treatments that relax the body and mind, further enhancing sleep quality. The combination of a serene physical space, supportive wellness therapies, and soft, breathable linens helps regulate guests’ circadian rhythms. This holistic approach ensures that visitors can enjoy deeper, more restorative sleep. Overall, Aditya’s environment and treatments work together to create the perfect setting for a peaceful night’s rest.
References
- Shastri KN,ChaturvediGN.Agnivesha’s Charaka Samhita. Volume I (Vimansthana). Varanasi: Chaukhamba Bharati Academy; 2004.
- Deore N, Pani S. A review on the significance of nidra (sleep) towards maintaining human health. World journal of pharmaceutical and medical research; 2020.
- Khatri B, Kumar M, Niranjana Gautama DV, Yadav SK, Herswani I. Dincharya and ritucharya w.s.r to circadian rhythm and sleep; 2022.
- Habbal OA, Al-Jabri AA. Circadian rhythm and the immune response: A review. International reviews of immunology;2009.
- Cingi C, Emre IE, Muluk NB. Jetlag related sleep problems and their management: A review. Travel medicine and infectious disease; 2018.
