Abstract

ROLE OF DINACHARYA IN REGULATION OF NIDRA IN CHILDREN: AN AYURVEDIC INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

*Parvathy B. Geethakumar, Deshpande Sharvari Sunil, Sudheer B. R.

Abstract

Nidra (Sleep) is one among the Trayopastambha described in Ayurveda and plays a vital role in maintaining physical growth, neurodevelopment, and psychological well-being in children. Adequate sleep is essential for cognitive maturation, emotional stability, and physiological homeostasis during childhood. The Ayurvedic concept of Dinacharya (daily regimen) provides time-regulated behavioral practices that help maintain doshic equilibrium and promote healthy sleep patterns. The present review aims to analyze the role of Dinacharya in the regulation of Nidra in children from an Ayurvedic perspective and to examine its relevance in relation to contemporary understanding of sleep physiology. This conceptual review was conducted based on classical Ayurvedic texts including Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Kashyapa Samhita, along with modern literature related to pediatric sleep and physiological regulation. Ayurvedic literature emphasizes that Nidra is essential for maintenance of strength, intellect, growth, and longevity, and recommends practices such as regulated sleep timing, Abhyanga (oil massage), environmental regulation, and behavioral discipline to facilitate sleep initiation. Modern sleep science similarly highlights the importance of structured routines, environmental synchronization, and behavioral regulation in pediatric sleep management. The review demonstrates that Dinacharya provides a systematic framework for regulation of Nidra in children and supports physiological stability through behavioral and environmental modulation. Integration of Ayurvedic daily routines with contemporary sleep practices may offer effective preventive strategies for improving pediatric health and overall well-being.

Keywords: Nidra, Dinacharya, Kaumarabhritya, Pediatric sleep, Ayurvedic daily regimen, Sleep regulation, Child health.