Ayurveda for Depression-related Sleep Disorders
Depression is the most prevalent condition nowadays. According to recent studies, some of the causative factors are long-term unemployment, unhealthy relationships, hectic lifestyles and work-related stress.
According to Ayurveda, there are three types of depression. These are categorized according to the imbalance in doshas in the body.
Vata-Type Depression
Vata type depression is predominantly due to the imbalance in the Vata dosha and is concerned with suppressed life force. It is mainly seen in people who have experienced a history of emotional abuse, anxiety, fear etc. It is mostly seen that people with Vata type depression have erratic lifestyles involving random and untimely eating and sleeping habits. These people have suppressed emotions that need to be worked upon.
Pitta Type Depression
Pitta type of Depression also called “mixed depression” or an “agitated depression'' is associated with feelings of anger, agitation and impulsiveness. The underlying cause of this type of depression can be abuse both physical as well as mental. Alcohol abuse, sugar consumption and overworking can be some of the reasons for pitta depression. This can be expressed more violently by a person and he/she could be prone to aggression and suicide.
This condition may be more common in a person who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder or has some tendencies along the bipolar spectrum.
Kapha Type Depression
Kapha Type Depression can be seen in people who have a slow metabolism, are obese and have eating disorders. Accompanies by exhaustion and feeling of worthlessness. Being the most common and longest lasting one, it can be controlled by involving more movement and reducing toxins in the body.
There are some common ayurvedic herbs and ingredients that can be used to pacify all three doshas and the depressions associated with them. One common factor with depression is sleep issues associated with it. There are some potent herbs and formulations in Ayurveda that can help in depression-related sleep issues and can promote deep sleep. This can immensely help with calming the brain and creating a peaceful mindset, which can help in the treatment of depression.
Effective Ayurvedic herbs for Depression-related sleep disorders
Some of the effective herbs for depression and related sleep disorders are:
Brahmi is a powerful adaptogen, which simply means that it helps the body adapt to new or stressful situations thereby reducing stress. It also promotes healthy brain functioning and improves memory. It is believed to increase the serotonin levels in the brain thereby reducing stress and giving relief in depression. With its property of calming the mind, Brahmi when taken on a regular basis can help in depression-related sleep issues.
Ashwagandha is a potent and ancient ingredient in Ayurveda that relieves stress and anxiety due to the presence of active compounds like steroidal lactones, saponins, alkaloids and anolides. These compounds have antidepressant, anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties. These properties help in reducing stress caused by emotional and physical factors present in your environment. In addition to this, it also balances out the constant mood swings and increases memory, mental alertness, focus and concentration. Being an adaptogen, ashwagandha also helps you adapt to outside stress.
Blissful Sleep is an ayurvedic formulation that addresses sleep issues that can arise out of depression. The herbs and ingredients that are used are based on the age-old science of Ayurveda that works synergistically to calm you down and reduce stress.
This formula is made from powerful ayurvedic ingredients and herbs such as Cabbage rose (flower petal), ashwagandha root, Indian Tinospora, long pepper, liquorice root, pepper fruit, ginger, Indian valerian, pearl, gum acacia, opadry, organic sunflower lecithin, organic palm oil, organic guar gum, rice extract etc.
Blissful Sleep can help people with depression to fall asleep faster and get quality uninterrupted sleep. Improving the quality of sleep in people with depression can highly improve their symptoms. It enables them to get deep sleep and can make them feel refreshed the other day. Studies have shown that getting quality sleep for 7-9 hours can reduce your symptoms of depression considerably.
To Sum Up
Depression is one of the most common issues presently and often times remains untreated. Ayurveda can certainly help people with depression as well as depression-related sleep symptoms. This way of healing is natural and can be taken very well by most people. It should be noted that treating depression is a multi-pronged strategy involving counselling, lifestyle changes etc. One of the key areas being the sleep issues associated with it. Ayurvedic herbs and formulations can really help with these sleep issues in the most natural way possible. Hope this helps!