Evaluation of comparative efficacy of Tapasvini Churna and Brahmi Taila Shirodhara Versus Alprazolam in the Management of Stress-Associated Insomnia- A Randomized controlled trial

Adequate sleep (Nidra) is one of the essential factors to lead a healthy life. Ayurveda mentioned three important facts to keep a person in healthy status as Aahara (diet), Nidra (Sleep) & Bramhacharya (Celibacy) are mentioned as three Upastambha (sub-supporting pillars)executing an important role in maintaining the health.1Insomnia is one of the most common forms of sleep disturbance, with a prevalence of 18–33% in India .2-4Almost 15% of insomnia patients suffer from daytime consequences such as fatigue and malaise, memory and concentration difficulties, mood disturbances and irritability, and behavioral problems such as hyperactivity and aggression.5,6Currently, the mainstay treatment for insomnia is a behavioral approach and psychological treatment complemented with medications.

Tranquilizers and sedatives, such as benzodiazepines (alprazolam) and barbiturates, are the first-line pharmacological treatment for stress insomnia, however, there are concerns about residual symptoms, such as excessive sedation, tolerance, addiction, and neurological toxicity after longer usage.7 The overall management of stress induced insomnia seems to be unsatisfactory in the conventional system of medicine, as health surveys also show that 1.6 million adults with stress induced insomnia in the United States opt for complementary and alternative therapies annually.8 Therefore, there is a growing need to evaluate the role of alternative therapies in the management of insomnia