We all know that sleep is important, but did you know that getting enough sleep before a certain time can actually prevent health issues like liver dysfunction, high cholesterol, and heart disease? In Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine, sleep is considered a critical element of health and well-being. Here we’ll explore the link between sleep and good health, and why sleeping before 10pm can be so beneficial.

1. The Link Between Sleep and Health

Sleep is essential for many of our body’s functions, including cell repair, growth, and rejuvenation. When we sleep, our bodies produce hormones that regulate important processes like digestion, immune function, and heart rate. Research has shown that chronic sleep deprivation can increase the risk of a number of health issues, including depression, obesity, and heart disease.

2. Ayurveda and the Importance of Sleep

In Ayurveda, sleep is considered a fundamental part of overall health and well-being. According to Ayurvedic principles, our bodies have three doshas or bio-energies, and sleep is important for balancing and restoring these energies. Pitta, the bio-energy responsible for digestion, liver, and heart function, is particularly influenced by sleep. Ayurvedic practitioners recommend sleeping between 10pm and 2am to help restore and heal Pitta.

3. Why Sleeping Before 10pm is Beneficial

Research has shown that the hours we sleep matter just as much as the amount of sleep we get. Our bodies are designed to sleep during the night and be awake during the day, and sleeping before 10pm aligns with this natural rhythm. According to Ayurveda, sleeping before this time is also beneficial for balancing Pitta and preventing health issues like liver dysfunction, high cholesterol, and heart disease.

4. Taking Care of Yourself at Sandhi Moments

In Ayurveda, transitional points or “sandhis” are considered vulnerable times when we need to take extra care. This can include the spring and autumn equinox, when the body produces different hormones that are suppressed in the winter and summer respectively. Ayurvedic practitioners recommend visiting a clinic for purification or rejuvenation treatments during these times, or simply paying more attention to daily self-care and healing meals.

5. Tips for Better Sleep

If you’re having trouble sleeping before 10pm, there are a few tips that may help. Create a sleep-friendly environment by making sure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and heavy meals before bedtime, and create a regular sleep schedule that allows you to wind down before sleep. You may also want to try natural remedies like meditation, yoga, or herbal teas to promote relaxation and restful sleep.

Getting enough sleep is essential for good health, but the hours we sleep matter just as much as the amount of sleep we get. By sleeping before 10pm, we can help balance and restore our bodies’ natural rhythms, particularly the Pitta bio-energy responsible for digestion, liver, and heart function. If you’re having trouble sleeping before this time, consider using Ayurvedic principles and natural remedies to promote relaxation and restful sleep. By taking care of ourselves during transitional points or “sandhi” moments, we can help maintain good health and prevent chronic health issues.

With Munay,

Michelle