An observational study of Rajo-pravrutti pattern in shift duty working women

Ayurveda considers Nidra (sleep) as one among the three sub pillars of life which helps in the maintenance of the body, along with Aahara (food) and Brahmacharya(sexual life). All Acharyas are having the similar opinion that

various aspects of happiness and sorrow, nourishment and emaciation, strength and weakness, knowledge and ignorance, life and death are all dependent upon sleep. Nidra is considered as one among the thirteen Adharaneeya Vegas. Shift work sleep disorders can be discussed under diseases due to Nidra Vegarodha (suppression of sleep), Nidra Naasha (insomnia) and Akaala Shayana (untimely sleep). As the natural urge for sleep in the night is being suppressed in relation with shift works, Nidra Vegarodha Janya Vikaraas (diseases due to suppression of sleep) are having significant role. Most disorders of female reproductive system are due to Vata Dosha vitiation. According to WHO, occupational health deals with all aspects of health and safety in the work place and has a strong focus on primary prevention of hazards.Circadian rhythms are physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a 24-hour cycle. Circadian rhythms can influence important functions in our bodies, such as: Hormone release, eating habits and digestion, body temperature. Increasingly, shift work and night work are becoming more common in our so called “24-hour†(or “24/7â€) society. This results in the sleep loss and misalignment of circadian rhythm with respect to sleep wake cycle. Studies of regular night-shift workers indicate that the circadian timing system usually fails to adapt successfully to such inverted schedules. Additional problems include higher rates of cancer and of cardiac, gastrointestinal and reproductive disorders in chronic night shift workers. The duration and pattern of menstrual cycle are considered as women’s reproductive health indicators.