Abstract

Background- Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that affects an estimated 30% of the general population, and more affecting people over the age of 65. Studies have shown sedative-hypnotics users can be associated with an increased mortality risk. There is a need to complement the existing treatment options like sedatives and antidepressants. Insomnia can be co-related with Nidranasha in Ayurveda. Aims & objectives- to investigate the therapeutic usefulness of Go-ghrita (clarified butter from cow’s milk) Nasya (nasal drops), Jatamansi Hima (cold infusion), Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) and Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza Glabra) powder for Nidranasha ~ insomnia using standardized outcome measures. Design:-single case report. Methods- This case report is about Ayurveda management of a case of Nidranasha ~ insomnia (primary). A male patient aged 44 years came with the chief complaints of fatigue, sleeplessness, difficulty concentrating and heaviness in head, for 7 years. Treatment was prescribed as oral and external application i.e. Nasya procedure with Go-ghrita in dose of 4 drops on alternate days for 13 days in morning; Jatamansi Hima in dose of 150 ml O.D. in empty stomach for 1 month and Ashwagandha, Yashtimadhu and Triphala powder each in 2 grams dose after meal with honey for 1 month. Insomnia severity index (ISI) was used to evaluate the severity of insomnia as well as response to therapy. Global PSQI score (Pittsburgh sleep quality index) was used to asses sleep pattern and sleep quality. Data were collected at baseline, 15th day of treatment, and end of the treatment (day 30). Result- the treatment had shown significant relief in all symptoms of Nidranasha ~ insomnia (primary), increasing duration and quality of sleep, decreasing ISI score and GPSQI score, along with over well being in terms of quality of life. No adverse events were reported during the study. Conclusion- hence it is concluded that Go-ghrita Nasya, Jatamansi Hima, along with powder of Ashwagandha, Yashtimadhu and Triphala are encouragingly effective in moderate to severe primary insomnia ~ Nidranasha.

Key words: Insomnia; Nidranasha; Nasya; Hima and Ayurveda.