Special Sleep OP for Insomnia Management: A Panchakarma Initiative
The Department of Panchakarma at Government Ayurveda College, Thiruvananthapuram, has introduced a Special Sleep OP to address the increasing prevalence of sleep disorders, particularly insomnia. Sleep is a vital component of a healthy life, and disturbances in sleep, when prolonged, can develop into chronic conditions. Insomnia, defined by difficulty in initiating or maintaining sleep or early awakening, significantly affects daily functioning and overall quality of life.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, Nidra (sleep) is one of the three essential pillars of life, along with Ahara (diet) and Brahmacharya (regulated lifestyle), collectively known as Tryopastambha. Irregular dietary and lifestyle habits lead to the aggravation of Vatha Dosha, which disrupts mental channels (Manovaha Srotas) and results in Anidra (insomnia). This holistic understanding forms the basis for diagnosis and treatment in Ayurveda.
The Special Sleep OP functions on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Panchakarma OP No. 1. Between 2023 and 2025, a total of 468 OP sessions were conducted, with 2,108 patients receiving treatment, including a majority of female patients. The OP provides consultation, counselling, and individualized treatment plans, including both internal medications and external therapies.
Treatment focuses on Vatha pacification using medicines with sleep-inducing properties and therapies such as Pada Abhyanga, Shiro Abhyanga, Shirodhara, Shiro Pichu, and Shirovasthi. A wide range of classical Ayurvedic medicines, including Aswagandharishtam, Brahmi Ghrutham, Ksheerabala Tailam, and Dhanwantharam Tailam, are used based on patient needs. These interventions aim to restore balance, improve sleep quality, and enhance overall well-being.
In addition to patient care, the initiative supports academic and research activities within the department. Clinical studies on therapies like Shiro Abhyanga, Aswagandha Ksheera Shirodhara, and Thalam have been conducted to evaluate their effectiveness using scientific parameters such as EEG and sleep indices. Supported by a plan fund of ₹2 lakhs, the Special Sleep OP stands as a comprehensive, patient-centered model that integrates traditional knowledge with modern research to improve sleep health.
