Unable To Sleep Well? Try Ashwagandha, An Ayurvedic Gem

Chronic stress and hectic schedules at work are some reasons why a lot of people suffer from insomnia nowadays. Getting sound sleep is important for health as the body undergoes repairing and rejuvenates while you're asleep. A condition like insomnia can be caused because of the disruption in body's circadian rhythms or sleep-wake homeostasis. Circadian rhythm is referred to our body clock, which is aligned with the day and night cycle. Sleep-wake homeostasis is referred to the increase and decrease in levels of sleep regulating substance in the brain. This is based on the time spent awake and time spent sleeping.
 

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Normally, the human body can self-regulate sleep cycle. The longer a person stays awake and active, the more s/he feels the urge to sleep, and vice versa.

But the disruption in sleep cycle can cause insomnia wherein the body loses its ability to increase or decrease sleep regulating substances at the right time in the right amounts.

Factors that disrupt sleep

Any imbalance in the body systems can adversely affect your sleep. Stress is a major disruptor in the normal functioning of the human body. Stress leads to an increase in cortisol levels in the body and makes the body respond to the stress more actively. When your cortisol levels are consistently high, it can force your body to stay active, even against natural sleep rhythms. Studies say that people who suffer from insomnia experience high levels of cortisol levels at night
 

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Let's take a look at how ashwagandha can treat insomnia

Ashwagandha is a popular Ayurvedic herb known to act on the various systems in the body, including the immune system, neurological system, reproductive system, endocrinal system and reproductive system.

1. Ayurveda recommends use of ashwagandha for improving overall health and strength and counter lethargy and fatigue.

2. Ashwagandha improves functioning of thyroid and boosts metabolism.

3. Antibacterial and immune-modulating properties of ashwagandha help in warding off infections and faster recovery.

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4. Ashwagandha helps in dealing with stress by reducing cortisol (stress hormone) levels in the body.

5. Ashwagandha has properties that can help in reducing and repairing damage to brain cells.

6. It has anti-inflammatory properties which can increase key antioxidant enzymes in the body.

It is because of these properties that ashwangandha is considered as an effective herb to counter insomnia. It makes the body more active helps in restoring the natural mechanisms of sleep.

You can have 300 mg of ashawagandha extract twice a day in order to treat insomnia effectively and safely. Take full-spectrum and high concentration of ashwagandha extract. You can also have it as a daily tonic by consuming 1 or 2 tsp of its root extract every day.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.