Abstract

ROLE OF NIDRA IN TRIDOSHA BALANCE ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA: A CLASSICAL PERSPECTIVE ON SLEEP AND CONSTITUTIONAL HARMONY

Dr. Dheeraj Kapoor*, Dr. Lajwanti Keswani, Dr. Salil Jain, Dr. Rohit Jadhav

.

Abstract

In Ayurveda, Nidra (sleep) is regarded as one of the Trayopasthambha—the three vital pillars sustaining life, alongside Ahara (diet) and Brahmacharya (regulated lifestyle). Adequate and qualitative sleep is essential for maintaining the equilibrium of Tridosha (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and supporting physical, mental, and spiritual health.To elucidate the classical Ayurvedic understanding of Nidra and analyze its role in maintaining. A qualitative textual review of classical Ayurvedic compendia—Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya—and contemporary Ayurvedic and biomedical literature was undertaken. Relevant verses were interpreted to correlate Nidra’s physiological and pathological aspects with doshic regulation. Nidra supports Kapha dominance and is essential for tissue nourishment (dhatu poshana) and mental equilibrium. Disturbances in Nidra— either ati-nidra (excess sleep) or alpa-nidra (insufficient sleep)—lead to doshic imbalances such as Vata dushti (anxiety, insomnia), Pitta dushti (irritability, hyperacidity), or Kapha dushti (laziness, obesity). Proper Nidra restores Sharira and Manas equilibrium, directly influencing Ojas (vital essence) and Agni (digestive fire). Nidra plays a pivotal role in sustaining Tridoshic balance and constitutional harmony. Classical Ayurvedic perspectives align closely with modern sleep science, emphasizing restorative sleep as a regulator of neuroendocrine and metabolic functions. Ensuring balanced Nidra through Dinacharya (daily regimen) and Ritucharya (seasonal regimen) is essential for preventive and promotive health.

Keywords: Nidra, Tridosha, Ayurveda, Sleep, Dosha balance, Ojas, Ahara.