For vata people: how do you guys get good sleep?

[RyanD]

Hello,
For you vata people out there, what do you guys do to help get a good night of solid sleep. I have to get up at 6am 5 days a week, and I almost always feel very fatigued and it really affects my day. I'm in the middle of cleansing and nourishing my body to the best of my knowledge, so I'm hoping the results will help(sleep problems were an issue before the cleansing protocol). My two problems are: taking too long to fall asleep and waking up during the night. As for falling asleep, I feel that the problem is my mind is way too active and just jumps all over the place, it takes me usually at least an hour to ge to sleep. I know this is typical of Vata dosha, so I'm trying to balance it best I can. I've also tried the chamomile tea and steamed milk but they don't seem to make a huge difference. As for waking up in the night, its sometimes due to having to go to the washroom (working on this), or I just wake up for no real reason, usually following a dream. On the rare occasion that I do get a night of unbroken sleep (but that's almost never), I feel great, so I think my chronic fatigue is from sleep problems more than anything else. I try to engage in calm activities before bed, and it does help sometimes, but not always. Really I'm just totally sick of having to deal with fatigue all the time. Has anyone else delt with this problem?

[Monique]

Hi!

Im experiencing the same thing, Im also a vata. I did a hairmineralanalysis test where they stated my "sleep-type" and suggested that I increase my magnesium level, and preferably take some before sleep. And it does help! On the nights when I take it, I sleep all night long. On days I don't,. I usually wake up in the middle of the night.

I could be good to take some calcium along with the mag.

Try it if you wish or not

//Monika

[little monkey]

Hi there

I'm Vata/Pitta, and I have real sleep problems too. Here's an article from mercola.com that might be helpful:

http://www.mercola.com/article/sleep.htm

The thing that works best for me is to be strict with myself about always getting up at the same time 7 days a week. That way my body gets into a rhythm, and starts feeling tired earlier in the evening so I can sleep (otherwise I can be wakeful all night ).

If I'm awake and can't sleep, I lie on my back and meditate, which calms my mind and gets me back into my body. I often fall asleep, and if not, well at least I am resting calmly! Yoga helps me too, very very gentle yoga. I notice SUCH a difference in my mind state from a gentle half hour of deep breathing, gentle sun salutations and stretches. From to lol

When I am detoxing, the sleep problems are worse. It feels like the toxins are irritating and awakening me on their way out! Perhaps if it gets really bad you could slow down the detox a little.

Hope this helps!

L Monkey

[RyanD]

Thanks for the advice guys ! So magnesium huh? That's interesting. I have been taking a calcium supplement (calcium citrate) before bed, but have been avoiding getting calmag fizz because its quite expensive, but now that I have the extra incentive I think I'll just suck it up and pay the money. Little monkey, that site is great. I think mostly my problem is due to not being calmed and at peace mentally and emotinally before bed. When I was a boy I didn't have this problem as bad, but now that I'm 19 there are many new pressures and stresses. Doesn't really help that I am more prone to anxiety and worry than most people... typical vata from what I understand. But at least theres hope! I definitely will check into some meditation techniques. So far I just know the basic deep breathing. I'll let you guys know if I find anything else that helps. Thank you!

Ryan

[h0ppy]

Exercising until you break a sweat during the day can really help you sleep at night.

Avoid stimulating activities (computer, TV, certain music) before going to bed. Reading might be better idea... it'll set the mood.

Consider taking an L-Tryptophan supplement. CalMagFizz before bed might help too.

Have you done any liver cleansing?

And try to get to bed at a specific time every night... like 10:30. It's really important to be asleep by 12.

[Monique]

Add some magnesium to that calcium you're taking and you'll definetely see some results! remember theese minerals work together and I think they should be in a 2:1 ratio (cal 2, mag 1)

ah, so vatas worry to much and have lot's of anxiety? Now I understand where that's coming from!

[shelley]

Yes, vata stands for air and mental activity. When vata people or anyone else with temporary vata disorders are out of balance then we say they have Vata imbalance, which can include insomnia, restless leg syndrome, too active mind, etc.