Article by Dr. Raghuram YS MD(AYU) and Dr. Manasa S, BAMS
The circadian rhythm is a simple but complex mechanism of how the sleep-wake cycle occurs in the human body. It is a natural inbuilt process that runs on its own and in a natural and balanced manner with the proper and healthy functioning of the pineal gland and melatonin, which is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland. So, the pineal gland, the secretion of melatonin and the circadian rhythm are all interconnected in a closed loop and are interdependent. If all these operate in a normal and natural manner then the person gets good and proper sleep. When sleep timing, quality, and quantity are appropriate and in accordance with practices that align with circadian rhythms, he will wake up at the proper time, refreshed and energized.
Sleep deficiency or insomnia or sleep disorders can arise from poor and unhealthy sleep patterns with respect to time, quality and quantity and can also be caused by imbalance of circadian rhythms due to dysfunction of the pineal gland and melatonin secretion.
This will eventually lead to a wide range of psychosomatic health problems.
Related reading-
– circadian rhythm
– Pineal Gland – Everything You Need to Know About It!
– Melatonin – Everything You Need to Know About It!
Understanding the pineal gland and melatonin secretion and their functioning in the regulation and balance of circadian rhythms from an Ayurveda perspective
Since the pineal gland is located in the brain (head), its functions are directly related to prana and udan vayu. The functions of Sadhak Pitta and Tarpak Kapha can also be attributed to the neuro-endocrine functions of this gland.
Since it serves as the vital link between the nervous system and hormonal regulation, the functions of the pineal gland represent a synchronized functional axis of Prana Vata with other Vata subtypes, which macroscopically and microscopically represents the functions of the entire orchestra of the hormonal/endocrine system.
It is the combination of the psyche and senses (and their functions), as well as similar dosha subtypes located in the head, that maintain the sleep-wake cycle, circadian rhythms, and seasonal biological rhythms in a state of balanced synchrony – which in turn are regulated by melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland.
mind factor
The Manas-Tamas-Kapha-Vata axis in balancing circadian rhythms -According to Ayurveda, the sleep-wake cycle depends on many factors. The mind, tired from the day’s activities, should become detached from its senses and their objects. Then the person goes to sleep. This is not a matter of one day. This should be a practice and pattern. This will determine the circadian rhythm. If we try to interfere with this process and disrupt the sleep pattern by forcibly involving our mind in the objects of the senses, the waking pattern will also be disturbed and hence the circadian rhythm.
Vata controls the mind and sensory perception. Therefore, at night the mind and Vata should go into a state of rest and relaxation. According to Ayurveda sleep is also explained as a natural phenomenon – Ratri Svabhava/Prakriti. Excessive sleepiness (hypersomnia) is responsible for excessive increase in Kapha. So, natural sleep would include a natural (not pathological) increase in Kapha as well as Vata going into a calm state and Manas becoming calm. Basically, while sleeping, the Tamas quality of Kapha should slightly dominate the Rajas quality of Vata.
So, the Manas-Vata-Kapha-Tamas axis should also be balanced to maintain the circadian rhythm and its smooth maintenance. This axis and related sequences can be attributed to the functions of the pineal gland and the melatonin hormone.
We also know that excessive wakefulness at night will increase Vata (wakefulness) and this Vata will lead to insomnia or insomnia in the long run. This will cause disruption in the circadian rhythm.
Malfunction of the pineal gland or melatonin can be attributed to Vata aggravation and vice versa. Melatonin regulation depends on the balance of the Prana Vata-Tarapaka Kapha-Manas axis, which is also linked with the Sadhak Pitta balance.
Melatonin and its functions – Understanding Ayurveda
As discussed, the pineal gland is located in the brain, in the head – which is the seat of prana vayu, sadhak pitta and tarpak kapha.
The functions of hormones are similar to those governed by Vata, given their wide-ranging effects on multiple organs and multiple functions.
So, the functioning of the pineal gland and the hormone secreted by it i.e. melatonin is mainly due to the balanced functioning of Prana Vata with the synchronous integration and cooperation of Sadhak Pitta and Tarpak Kapha with Prana Vata.
Melatonin regulates internal circadian rhythms. Its balance is important for maintaining the sleep-wake cycle, one of the principles governing good health.
Natural sleep, Manas factor and the play of Rajas and TamaS Regarding the light and dark (day and night) theory of circadian rhythms
A person naturally sleeps at night. According to Ayurveda, this happens when the tired mind (Klanta Manas) detaches itself from the senses (and hence the sense objects). The brain loses contact with the outside world and the person falls asleep. This detachment of the mind appears as if the mind is going into deep darkness of rest. So, the inactivity of the mind in the darkness of the night can be understood as the predominance of Kapha-bhava and its Tamasic quality of mind (Kapha is also composed of Tamas), which hides the Rajasic quality of mind (related to Vata), which is responsible for alertness.
Vata, as a rule, predominates in the evening and at night. Dispassion of the mind and activation of Tamoguna and Kapha Bhava will calm down Vata and its activities, that too in the early part of the sleep cycle. This happens when the person sleeps.
The entire cycle of events described above can be correlated with the activation of melatonin in the darkness of the night and the onset of sleep.
The opposite process occurs during the day. Despite morning time as a rule being Kapha time, the Rajo quality of Vata (and Pitta) naturally becomes active due to daylight and initiates alertness. This may be linked to deactivation of melatonin due to exposure to daylight and glare.
So, from the point of view of Ayurveda, the sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm regulated by melatonin falls within the functional zone of activation of tamo-bhava (and also kapha bhava) at night and rajo-bhava (and vata and pitta bhava) in the morning, which coincides with the dissociation of the mind with its senses (and objects) at night and its association and activation with the same during the day.
Vata and melatonin
Since melatonin is a hormone and a chemical messenger, it works on the principle of Vata. Endocrine functions have Vata Bhava (Vata like functions). Melatonin is secreted in the evening, Vata time. So, Vata is involved in the release of melatonin by the pineal gland. On the other hand, melatonin, like other hormones, activates the Vata system. At night, with the separation of the mind from the senses, the activity of Vata tapers and the resulting depletion of Rajo guna activates Tamo guna, which in turn increases Kapha bhava. The combined effect will cause sleep in individuals.
The benefits and harmful effects of NIDRA – explained in ‘melatonin’ language
Regulation of sleep and circadian rhythms by melatonin provides many health benefits including mental and emotional well-being, skin and hair health, optimal functioning of internal organs, etc. The benefits of sleep – i.e. Sukh (pleasure, happiness, mental and emotional well-being, balance), Pushti (nutrition, growth), Bala (strength, immunity, stamina), Vrisht (good sexual health, reproductive health), Jnana (balance of higher intellectual functions, knowledge, perception of knowledge, memory etc.) and Jeevita (all life-related functions) and the health of the organs, tissues and organ systems involved in performing these activities can be attributed to the balanced functioning of melatonin.
On the other hand, all the diseases, conditions and imbalances caused by dysfunction of the pineal gland and melatonin are described as having opposite characteristics (harmful or deleterious symptoms/conditions) that contradict the beneficial characteristics of NIDRA compared to sleep. They are – Dukha (grief, mental instability, mental disorder, stress, depression etc.), Karshya (weakness, depletion of tissues), Abala (loss of strength, weakness, fatigue, loss of immunity and stamina), Klibata (infertility, impotence, sexual dysfunction), Ajyanam (loss of intellectual functions, stupidity) and Na Jeevitam/Maranam (death of the individual, death of functions of various organs and organ systems). These disorders result from insomnia or lack of sleep due to damage to tissues, organs and organ systems, which includes the above phenomena. From the modern perspective, they result from dysfunction of melatonin and the pineal gland.
Ayurvedic treatment principles for correcting and balancing circadian rhythms and pineal gland and melatonin dysfunction/diseases
Nidan Parivaarjan – One should avoid foods and activities that aggravate Vata or Pitta at night. Stress should also be avoided. Sleep disorders should be avoided. These include night waking – excessive and habitual staying awake at night and daydreaming – excessive sleeping during the day. A person needs to strike a balance between quality, quantity and timing of sleep.
Shodhana – Dosha related aggravations and long standing diseases, including seasonal aggravation of doshas, ​​should be resolved with prompt administration of Panchakarma treatments. Accumulated doshas and impurities will have a profound effect on the entire system including the endocrine glands and associated hormones and their functions. Once they are out, all these functions will return to normal.
External Treatment – Murdani Oil – Oil therapy applied to the head will balance the doshas in the head, reduce stress, induce sleep and provide mental and sensual balance and peace. Abhyanga and Sarvanga stream will also help. Appropriate external treatments combined with purification measures will help to deal with sleep disorders or as a comprehensive combination in treating pineal gland dysfunction and melatonin imbalance.
Balance of Trayopastambha – One needs to maintain a coordinated balance between diet, sleep and celibacy.
Yoga and Meditation – One needs to practice yoga under an expert yoga teacher who will help in customizing the yoga practices so as to deal with sleep disorders and control hormonal disturbances. Meditation will definitely help if practiced regularly.
Sattvajaya – Regular one-to-one conversation sessions and counseling and psychotherapy will definitely yield beneficial results.
Daiva Vyapasraya Chikitsa – Divine healing or non-medicinal faith healing will also be put into practice when necessary.
Medhya Rasayan – Medicines and herbs that act as Medhya Rasayan should be taken as prescribed by Ayurveda doctors.
