Sleep is much essential to our body as eating, drinking & breathing and is vital for maintaining good physical & mental health. Proper sleep reduces physical and mental exertion.

Common causes of Sleeplessness

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder. You may feel hard to fall asleep or wake up early and not get back to sleep.

Causes of Insomnia

a) Stress

Work pressure, school, health, financial problems, family matters may lead to stress and insomnia.

b) Travel or work schedule

Disrupting your circadian rhythm may lead to insomnia.

c) Poor sleep habits

Poor sleep habits include watching TV or mobile before sleep, an uncomfortable sleep environment, and irregular bedtime may interfere with your sleep.

d) Diet 

Overeating late in the evening before bedtime may interfere with your sleep. The heavy dinner makes you feel uncomfortable while lying down.

e) Mental health disorders

Anxiety, depression, etc., may cause sleep disorders.

f) Medications

Many drugs may cause sleep disorders. Some of the dopamine agonist, psychostimulants, amphitamines, anticonvulsants etc. may cause insomnia.

g) Medical conditions

Chronic pain, heart diseases, thyroid problems, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinsonism, cancer etc., may cause sleep disorders.

h) Intake of stimulants

Stimulants like caffeine, nicotine, alcohol may cause insomnia.

I) Age groups

Insomnia is more common with age.

Symptoms of Insomnia

• Difficulty in falling asleep
• Waking up in the night
• Tiredness              
• Sleepiness
• Irritability
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Difficulty to concentrate

Importance of Sleep

a) Brain function

Sleep keeps your brain working correctly.

b) Emotional well-being

Good sleep keeps you emotionally well.

c) Physical health

Studies show that decreased sleep leads to an increased risk of cardiac problems, high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes, stroke, etc.

d) Performance

People who are sleeping deficient are less productive.

How much sleep is required? 

• Adults need sleep of 7-8 hours per day.
• A school-age child requires 9-11 hours of sleep daily.

Side effects of lack of Sleep

• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Stress
• Impaired memory
• Lack of concentration
• Reduced quality of life
• Safety problems
• Lack of sleep may lead to an increased chance of severe health problems like cardiac diseases, stroke, diabetes etc.

Botanical name– Valeriana wallichii

English name- Indian valerian

Tagara is a hairy perennial herb. Tagara grows up to 15-45 cm in height in temperate regions of the Himalayas from Kashmir to Bhutan.

Benefits of Tagara

Promotes sleep

Tagara is a natural remedy for insomnia or sleeplessness. Studies show that Tagara provides a significant improvement in the duration of sleep. In addition, it improves the initiation of sleep and reduces sleep disturbance. Furthermore, it reduces disruptions in routine work.

Tagara markedly reduces ‘Anidra’ symptoms (sleeplessness) like body ache, heaviness in the head, yawning, exhaustion and giddiness.

Reduces stress and anxiety

Tagara helps to reduce stress and anxiety. Thus it keeps the mind calm. Furthermore, it improves the quality of sleep and improves productivity.

Improves mental health

Tagara helps to reduce stress and anxiety. Thus it keeps the mind calm. Intake of Tagara under medical supervision improves mental health and thus improves emotional well-being.

Neuroprotective effect

Studies show that Tagara contains compounds that are potential neuroprotectants. Thus Tagara acts as a supportive medicine in the treatment of oxidative stress-related neurological diseases.

Management of hypertension 

Tagara reduces stress and anxiety. Thus it improves cardiac health and acts as a supporting medicine in the treatment of primary hypertension. 

Part used

• Root 

Dose

Preferably 1-2 capsules twice daily at bedtime. Otherwise, you can take medicine as directed by the physician.

Age group

Tagara can be administered to all age groups but only under medical supervision.

Side effects

High doses may cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, uneasiness, and lightheadedness-like symptoms. 

Precaution

One should take medicine only under medical supervision.

To buy Tagara from Sitaram Ayurveda: