Sleep is more than just a daily ritual—it is an enigmatic yet crucial part of our existence. It’s a fascinating topic with ties to spirituality, culture, and science.
Decoding Sleep:
A Biological and Spiritual Interlude
Sleep is a biologically changed state of consciousness that is essential to both our physical and mental well-being. It is marked by a decreased ability to engage with our surroundings. During this period, the body heals itself and the mind gathers memories and feels emotions.
Spiritual Dimensions of Sleep:
Sleep is considered a time when the soul is partially unbound from the physical body. It’s a period where the subtle body (SukshmaSharira) can experience other realms or undergo healing.
The deep sleep state, or “Sushupti,” is of particular interest as it’s considered a state closest to ultimate reality (Brahman) where the individual self (Atman) rests in its natural state of bliss (Ananda).
The Sleep Cycles: The Rest Period Rhythms
Natural cycles called circadian rhythms, which are impacted by the light-dark cycle of the surroundings, control sleep. Our circadian rhythms control our levels of alertness and fatigue during the day. Each stage of sleep, including non-REM and REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, is essential to different processes of body and brain healing.
Vedic Insights: Sleep is worship to the Body.
According to age-old Vedic knowledge, sleep—known as “Nidra” in Sanskrit—is a profound level of consciousness that is essential for healing, restoration, and spiritual development. It is also a bodily necessity.Vedic teachings classify sleep into three categories:
Tamasik Sleep:
Dominated by Tamas (darkness, inertia), this type of sleep is excessive and induced by an imbalance, such as depression, lethargy, or illness. It’s usually not refreshing and can lead to a dull mind and lack of vigour.
Rajasik Sleep:
Influenced by Rajas (activity, movement), this sleep is disturbed and interrupted. It’s often the result of stress, anxiety, or an overactive mind. Individuals may experience inconsistent and broken sleep patterns, leading to insufficient rest.
Sattvik Sleep:
This is considered the ideal sleep, characterized by being refreshing, deep, and peaceful. Sattvik sleep contributes to vitality, alertness, and overall well-being. It’s achieved through a balanced lifestyle, diet, and mental harmony.
Contemporary Sleep Issues: The Sleep Deprivation Epidemic
Due to the fast-paced lifestyle of today, sleep deprivation is common and has negative effects on quality of life, health, and cognitive performance. Stress, erratic schedules, and blue light from screens are a few of the numerous elements causing a worldwide sleep crisis.
Practices for Healthy Sleep in Vedic Tradition:
Dinacharya (Daily Routine):
Vedic texts emphasize following a daily routine that aligns with natural cycles. Going to bed early and rising to the sun is encouraged to harmonize the body’s internal clock with the natural environment. In the modern context, the most important part is to have a fixed time of sleep as well as incorporate a gratitude journal as part of the routine of life.
Pranayama and Personalized Meditation
Practices like deep breathing (Pranayama) and personalized meditation before bedtime prepare the mind and body for a restful sleep, transitioning smoothly from wakefulness to rest. One can curate a sleep ritual based on mind, body and soul of self which ensures a quality sleep.
Mantra Chanting
Reciting mantras or listening to sacred chants can soothe the mind and promote a more peaceful sleep. One can chant mantras of ‘Nindra Devi’ to invoke her blessings into life. One can also synergistically combine sound with mantras to enhance its effect. For instance, ‘Om’ at alpha wave frequency is quite beneficial for sleep.
Crystals & Gemstones
One Can include gemstones and crystals in life to boost quality of life. For instance, Jade and Lepidolite facilitate quality sleep.
Herbal Remedies
One can include herbal baths and herbs in other forms to enhance the quality of sleep-in life.
The author is a Chief Happiness Officer at NumroVani, is an Astro Numerologist and life and relationship coach on a mission to transform human lives by curating synergy between human aura and cosmic universeby leveraging traditional intellectual knowledge of Bharat.