Publication:

Influence of sleep in polycystic ovarian syndrome: an ayurvedic appraisal

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder which affects the reproductive, metabolic and psychological health of women. Now a day’s incidence rate of PCOS is incising in reproductive age of woman due to sedentary lifestyle and faulty daily routine. Clinical studies indicate that sleep disturbance and disorders including obstructive sleep apnea and excessive daytime sleepiness are more common in the woman with symptoms of PCOS. Despite proof of the high prevalence of sleep disorders in these patients, modification of sleep is not considered as major point for treatment protocol in modern therapeutics. Ayurveda as a holistic medicine lays great emphasis on lifestyle modification under Aahaara (Diet)- Vihaara (Daily regimen)- Oushadha (Medicine) - triad for the prevention and treatment of all diseases. Among Vihaara, Nidra (Sleep) is considered as a very influencing factor in Ayurvedic classics. Balanced sleep at night maintains the health. Disturbance of sleep pattern can lead to Dosha vitiation which hampers regular metabolic activity of the body and leads to various disorders. Hormones affecting metabolism, appetite and blood glucose are regulated with circadian rhythms. When circadian rhythms are out of sync, the body’s metabolic health hampers. Irregular metabolic function disturbs the hormonal cycle including hypothelamo-pitutory-ovarian axis, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal function, and so on.  These can ultimately lead to PCOS in reproductive age of women. It seems that if lifestyle modification should be expanded in PCOS patients including sleep hygiene alongside food and exercise positive outcome can be obtained. With this background this study is aimed to determine the importance of sleep hygiene in PCOS from the view of Ayurveda.