A randomized parallel-group single-blinded vehicle-controlled clinical study to evaluate efficacy and safety of Naá¹­Å«l (Irrigation therapy) with Ravghan-i-Nilofar in Sahar (Insomnia)

Insomnia is defined as “a persistent difficulty with sleep initiation, duration, consolidation, or quality that occurs despite adequate opportunity and circumstances for sleep, and results in some form of daytime impairment”. Various studies conducted worldwide have revealed that the prevalence of insomnia is 10%-30% of the population, some even as high as 50%-60%. Insomnia is more common in women, older persons and those who are struggling financially.

Insomnia is described as Sahar in the Unani system of Medicine which is characterized by Sleeplessness or Excessive Awakening.

In Conventional Medicine, several antidepressant and hypnotic drugs are frequently used for the treatment of Insomnia like tricyclic antidepressants (Doxepin), serotonergic antidepressants (Dapoxetine) hypnotic drugs (Triazolam, Temazepam, Flurazepam, Alprazolam, Clonazepam and Lorazepam). These drugs have many side effects, especially addiction.).

Researchers are trying to resort to natural treatment because of the present side effects scenario. Unani Medicine has become valuable because Sahar has been successfully treated since ancient times without noticeable adverse effects on the body.

Naṭūl (Irrigation Therapy) with oils or decoction of various herbs has been already employed in the treatment of Sahar successfully by ancient Unani Physicians. Ibn Sīnā recommended that the use of Naṭūl especially with Ravghan-i-Nilofar is beneficial in the management of Sahar.

Naṭūl (Irrigation Therapy) is a classical and effective therapy in ‘Ilāj bi’l Tadbīr which is described as the pouring or dripping of medicated decoction or warm water on desired organs. Naṭūl accelerates the processes of Ikhrāj-i-Mawād (Evacuation of Morbid Material) and Ta‘dīl-i-Mizāj-i-A‘ḍā’ (To Balance the Temperamental State of the Organ) and improves Quwwat-i-Mudāfi’at (Defence Mechanism of Body). This produces essential Neurological, Psychological, and Pharmacological benefits for several disorders. It also enhances local absorption of the medicine which helps to get desired actions.

Based on the above discussions, it is hypothesized that Naá¹­Å«l with Ravghan-i-Nilofar may be beneficial in the management of Sahar (Insomnia).