Article Details

Abstract

A child who takes a long time to fall asleep, wakes
often or feels sleepy at school needs an assessment of
the problem before treatment is chosen. Bedtime
habits, worry, illness and breathing problems can all
disturb sleep. Families may also ask about Ayurvedic
herbs, especially when poor sleep occurs with
restlessness or difficulty concentrating. This narrative
review examines that interest through the concepts of
Nidra, Dravyaguna and Medhya Rasayana. It
considers classical descriptions alongside clinical
research, with particular attention to the age of
participants and the outcomes measured. The
available studies answer different questions.
Research on Bacopa monnieri and Centella asiatica
in children mainly concerns memory, attention and
behaviour. Trials of Ashwagandha for sleep have
largely involved adults. These findings do not
establish that the same preparations safely treat
childhood insomnia. Evidence is also insufficient to
recommend Shankhapushpi, Yashtimadhu, Guduchi
or Jatamansi as routine sleep treatments for children.
Care should begin with a clear diagnosis, an age-
appropriate sleep routine and behavioural support.
Any proposed herbal treatment needs a defined
preparation, a sound safety assessment and clinical
supervision. Future trials should measure sleep
Vol: 1 | Issue: 4 | September - 2026 directly, report adverse events carefully and give both
study groups the same basic sleep advice. Ayurvedic
concepts can help frame research questions, but
treatment claims must rest on evidence from the
children and conditions being treated.