Clinical Evaluation of Mahanarayana Taila Matra Basti in Anidra (Primary Insomnia)

Sleep is a naturally recurring state of mind and body. Insomnia disorder is defined as a subjective perception or complaint of inadequate or poor-quality sleep. Anidra has been described in detail by Acharyas in various contexts like Vata Nanatmaja Vikara, Vataja Jwara etc. Panchkarma therapies like Shirodhara, Shirobasti, Shiroabhyang, Shiropichu, Padaabhyang is very useful in treatment of Anidra. Insomnia is the most commonly encountered sleep disorder and occurs 10-50% of the population. Worldwide epidemiological studies assessed the prevalence of insomnia without restrictive criteria as 33% in general population. In Ayurveda, insomnia is described as Anidra and Nidranash under the heading of different disorders and conditions. Allopathic hypnotic drugs are useful for short term treatment in insomnia which is due to acute stage. Long term uses of certain classes of sedatives cause physical dependence, Ayurvedic approach in the disease is by pacifying the Doshas, paying special attention to Vata- Shamana, Santarpana and Srotoshodhak. Hence, with the aim of identifying and establishing an alternative, safer, effective and long-lasting treatment modality, the study entitled “Clinical Evaluation of Mahanarayana Taila Matra Basti in Anidra (Primary Insomnia)” was conducted in 56 patients. They were selected on the basis of standard inclusion and exclusion criteria and randomly allocated to two different treatment groups; Group- A (Mahanarayana Taila Matra Basti) and Group- B (Zolpidem). Total duration of the treatment was of 14 days along with a follow up period of 1 month. Both the interventions were almost equally effective, but in overall improvement of the patients “Group A” had better results than Group B. For better scientific validation, further research studies and clinical trials should be carried out with large sample size and longer duration of treatment.