Are you suffering from nightmares? Do you feel choked and wake up drenched in perspiration?

Nightmares: Let’s Understand

Nightmares are considered a sleeping disorder when they occur frequently enough that they disrupt sleep on a regular basis, and may cause the subject further fear of sleeping, which can lead to sleep deprivation and the formation of other sleeping disorders or medical or psychological conditions.

In Ayurveda, dreams and nightmares are interpreted as a manifestation of physiological and psychological imbalances. 

It is an auxiliary dosha of Kapha and its job is to nourish the cells of the brain, resulting in a restful night’s sleep.

Common Causes

Disturbed sleep and nightmares are usually the result of:

• an overfull stomach.
• sleep deprivation
• modern day’s over-stimulating lifestyle often keeps our minds tense throughout the day and consequently, into the night. 
• severe stress or anxiety due to major life event e.g., bereavement of loved one
• too much screen time
• reading/listening to negative things before going to bed
• certain medications (antidepressants, antihypertensives, antiparkinsonian drugs)
• substance abuse – alcohol, drugs use/withdrawal

Lifestyle Changes

• Eat sparingly at night.
• Have your dinner three hours before you go to bed.
• Stop taking milk if that is the last thing you take at night.
• A light dinner of boiled/steamed vegetables and fruits will help cure the condition.
• Stay active through the day and practice vigorous exercise through the day so that you are tired by the time you reside in bed to sleep.
• Take a few deep breaths before sleeping to calm your mind and body. Relax every muscle in your body.
• Practice meditation 10 to 20 minutes per day.  
• Practice positive affirmations to yourself that you are not going to have any dreams or nightmares.
• Practice Yoga for calming and soothing the entire nervous system. Try practicing Savasana for 10 to 30 minutes before bed
• Listen Yoga Nidra Sleep Meditation for Insomnia, Stress
• Massage the soles of your feet and crown of your head with Brahmi Oil
• Take a walk-in nature
• Try aromatherapy
• Sip and enjoy a cup of chamomile tea before bed.

According to Breus, you should drink one cup of chamomile tea about 45 minutes before bed if you’re hoping to induce sleepiness. That will give your body enough time to metabolize the tea, and the chemical compounds that cause those sedative feelings to kick in. read more

Ayurveda offers dietary guidelines, herbal remedies, Yoga and meditation to support a healthy sleep free of nightmares and stress.

Learn: How Does Circadian Rhythm Affect Sleep?

Herbs that Help

1. Brahmi Capsules (1-2 taken in the morning) + Manasamitra Vatakam (1-2 taken in the evening after food)
2. Brahmi Ghritam (1/2 – 1 tsp with warm milk or warm water) + Manasamitra Vatakam (1-2 taken in the evening after food) for 3-4 months with a gradual decrease of dosage as sleep improves.
3. Saraswata Ghritam + Manasmitra Vatakam

Related

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3. Magnesium Supplement: Support for Anxiety, Insomnia, and Muscle Health

Disclaimer

All views and information shared here is only for the sharing of Ayurvedic knowledge. Please do not try or prescribe or take any of the remedies and suggestions here without talking to your regular, qualified doctor.