Importance of Nidra in healthy living

Abstract

Ahara, Nidra and Brahmacharya are the three main pyramids of life, which play vital role for maintenance of health in human being. In the Ayurvedic Literature, three factors i.e., Ahara, Nidra and Brahmacharya are compared with the triangles are termed as the three Upastambhas or Tripods. The inclusion of Nidra in the three Upastambha (pillars) establishes its value. While explaining about Nidra, Acharyas stated that delight and sorrow, growth and wasting, strength and weakness, virility and impotence, the knowledge and ignorance as well as the survival of life and its termination depend on the sleep. The different theories stated regarding the phenomena Ayurveda regards Nidra (sleep) as one of the most essential factors responsible for a healthy and fulfilling life. Humans spend almost a third of their lifetime sleeping.^[1] Good sleep is essential and advantageous to the quality of life.^[2] A number of vital physiological changes occur during sleep.^[3] It is one of the Trayopastambhas (tripods) mentioned by Acharayas.^[4] Sound sleep at night is a natural and nourishing phenomenon, so it is also called Bhutadhatri (nourishes all living beings).^[5] Quality sleep is an indicator of good health as it is stress-relieving and normalizes bodily tissues. It is also called ‘Vaishnavi Maya’ which provides nutrition to maintain good health like Lord Vishnu (the sustaining god), who nourishes and sustains this world. There are many concepts like Tridosha, Triguna, Panchmahabhuta, Lok Purusha Saamya such concept is Nidra (sleep). Triyaupstambha of body with Aahara and Brahamcharya.