Anidra (primary Insomnia): a Critical Review With Special Reference to Ayurvedic Pathogenesis and Management
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Sleep disturbances are increasingly recognized as a major public health concern worldwide, largely attributed to psychological stress, irregular lifestyles, and excessive digital exposure. In Ayurveda, the condition of disturbed or absent sleep is described as Anidra. Contemporary medical science classifies Primary Insomnia as a disorder characterized by persistent difficulty in initiating or maintaining sleep. Ayurveda interprets this condition as an imbalance of the Vata and Pitta Doshas, which disturbs the physiological equilibrium of Trayopastambha (the three fundamental pillars of life: diet, sleep, and regulated lifestyle). The present review evaluates the etiological factors, pathogenesis, and therapeutic approaches of Anidra described in classical Ayurvedic literature and compares them with modern scientific perspectives. Special emphasis is placed on the role of Medhya Rasayana (neurocognitive rejuvenating herbs) and external therapeutic procedures such as Shirodhara and Padabhyanga. Evidence froma both traditional texts and modern studies suggests that Ayurvedic interventions may provide a holistic and sustainable approach for the management of insomnia without the risk of pharmacological dependency.
Language: English
Subfield: Complementary and alternative medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7149457173
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