An Observational Study To Evaluate The Effect Of Nidra Vegadharana On Agni

Introduction-

Ayurveda states that Aarogyam (health) is the sole path to achieve every desired Purushartha viz. Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha . To maintain positive health, numerous principles have been provided by Acharyas. Among which, Adharneeya Vega (natural urges in the body which should not be restrained) is one of the prime principles.

Acharya Charaka has described thirteen Adharniya Vegas. Habitual or oblivious suppression of natural urges not only affects the homeostasis of Dosha, Dhatu, Mala, Agni but also mind, soul and sense organs. According to Acharya Charaka, the Agni gets vitiated by the suppression of the natural urges.

Acharya Charaka has described four types of Jatharagni – Samagni, Tikshnagni, Mandagni and Vishmagni . The Bala of Dhatwagni depends upon the Bala of Jatharagni . According to Acharya Sushruta, Nidra offers us Agnidipti (proper digestion and metabolic activities) when consumed at right time. In Ayurveda, Nidra is included in ‘Trayopstambha’ . Happiness and sorrow, growth and wasting, strength and weakness, virility and impotence, knowledge and ignorance, as well as life and it’s cessation depend on Nidra.

In present era, due to late night work, night shifts, odd life styles, increased screen time or any other reasons people suppress the urge for sleep which leads to Jrimbha (yawning), Angamarda (malaise), Tandra (drowsiness), Shiroroga (diseases of the head) and Akshi Gaurava (heaviness in eyes). According to contemporary science, quantity and quality of sleep affects various metabolic, endocrine and neurological functions of body.

Vegadharana as Nidana is a unique concept of Ayurveda and Nidana Parivarjana is the first and foremost treatment in Ayurveda. Therefore as Vaidya, we should consider Nidra Vegadharana along with other Adharneeya Vega before concluding any diagnosis.

Need of the study-

1.India is the second most sleep deprived country after Japan. Longer work hours, shift work, greater access to television-internet and bedtime procrastination  are some of the reasons behind sleep deprivation. 53.1% of young adults report engaging in bedtime procrastination and about 20% of workers are engaged in some kind of shift work which results in chronic sleep loss and disruption of circadian rhythm. 31.66% Indian youth in the 16-30 age groups are chronically sleep deprived. Men and women who sleep less than 6 hours have increased significantly over the last 20 years. These data suggest the current situation of Nidra Vegadharana.

2.Contemporary science also states that sleep deprivation alters the glucose metabolism and hormones involved in regulating metabolism i.e. decreased leptin and increased ghrelin levels. There is great need to create awareness in general population about having proper Nidra. So, a study will be done to see the effect of Nidra Vegadharana on Agni. The result whatever will be, it will help the researcher for further study.

3.It is not observed that the study of Agnidushti was carried out with Nidra Vegadharana taken into consideration as Nidana. Therefore the scholar will try to research prevalence of Nidra Vegadharana and it’s effect on Agni.