Hectic and unhealthy life style has been a prime factor for various life style disorders including Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, atherosclerosis, metabolic syndromes, obesity, sleep disorders etc. Sleep disorders are serious enough to interfere with normal physical, mental, social and emotional functioning [1]. Sleep disorders include hyposomnia, hypersomnia and insomnia. Insomia is the most common problem of present generation. Stress is the one of commonest causes attributed to insomnia [3]. Nidra is one of the Upastambhas described in ancient classics [2]. Ayurveda, with its holistic approach can help in this condition with its unique way of life style management and drug therapy. Whithania somnifera (L.) Dunal (family Solanaceae), commonly known as Ashwagandha (Indian ginseng), has been used to treat a number of medical condition in Ayurveda [4]. In Bangsen, Ashwagandha has been indicated for the treatment of insomnia [5]. This herb is considered as an adaptogen. Ashwagandha effectively alleviates insomnia but does not act as sedative. It’s rejuvenative and nervine tonic properties produce energy which in turn helps the body to settle and sleep [6]. It reduces significantly the cortisol level which is an indicator for stress and anxiety. Thus Ashwagandha can prove wonderful for the treatment of sleep disorders specifically insomnia.

Keywords: Stress; Insomnia; Ayurveda; Ashwagandha.