Ayurvedic Doshas as Predictors of Sleep Quality

Abstract

BackgroundThe 3 Ayurvedic constitutional types or Doshas – vata, pitta, and kapha – are responsible for homeostasis and health. The doshas determine various functions, including sleep. According to the Ayurvedic texts, sleep is caused by increased kapha and insomnia by increased vata or pitta, which may follow physical or mental exertion, or disease. The present study was carried out to determine whether this relationship could be found using contemporary standardized questionnaires.Material/MethodsIn this cross-sectional single-group study, 995 persons participated (646 males; group average age ±S.D., 49.1±15.2 years). Participants were attending a 1-week residential yoga program in northern India. Participants were assessed for dosha scores using a Tridosha questionnaire and the quality of sleep in the preceding week was self-rated using a sleep rating questionnaire.ResultsMultiple linear regression analyses were used to determine if each dosha acted as a predictor of quality and quantity of sleep. Vata scores significantly predicted the time taken to fall asleep [p<0.01], and the feeling of being rested in the morning [p<0.001]; with higher vata scores being associated with a longer time to fall asleep and a lesser feeling of being rested in the morning. Kapha scores significantly predicted day-time somnolence [p<0.05] and the duration of day-time naps in minutes [p<0.05], with higher kapha scores being associated with longer day-time naps.ConclusionsThe results suggest that the doshas can influence the quality and quantity of sleep.

Plasma metabolomics reveal the correlation of metabolic pathways and Prakritis of humans

“…Kapha governs the nervous and musculo-skeletal systems that maintain body mass, shape, and flexibility [12] . The association of kapha dosha with anabolic processes and co-ordination of genes delayed manifestation of aging and provides a longer life span [13] , [14] . In the current study, mitochondrial genome maintenance, pyrimidine, membrane lipid, NAD biosynthetic processes were found to be dominant in kapha Prakriti ( Fig.…”

Relationships among classifications of ayurvedic medicine diagnostics for imbalances and western measures of psychological states: An exploratory study

“…Telles et al. documented greater day-time somnolence in Kapha constitution and greater incidence of nighttime insomnia in individuals with Vata constitution, consistent with Ayurvedic theory [10]. Bell et al.…”

“…Prior studies examining Ayurvedic dosha classifications focused almost exclusively on Prakruti [5], [8], [9], [10], [11], the basic constitutional classification. The Vikruti classification of imbalances, however, has received very little attention in the literature.…”

“…We found that those with more imbalanced, or vitiated Vata , as measured via the Ayurvedic questionnaire had more anxiety and rumination as well as less mindfulness and poorer overall quality of life. Individuals with more dominant Vata dosha are understood to be inherently more vulnerable to anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia [10], [11]. Interestingly, neural models of brain types among the constitutions have been proposed [21] with the ‘ Vata brain-type’ having a high range of activity in the prefrontal cortex and limbic systems, leading to experiencing high arousal and over-reacting, and being vulnerable to have excessive fears and phobias [21].…”

Meditation-Based Lifestyle Modification: Development of an Integrative Mind-Body Program for Mental Health and Human Flourishing

“…Robust diurnal rhythms, which are fundamental to Ayurvedic lifestyle, are known to alleviate metabolic diseases and improve sleep quality [55]. Vice versa, balance of the doshas can predict sleep quality [56].…”