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An Observational Study of Nidranash Hetu as Per Charaka Samhita in the Present Era
Abstract
Study Aims: This investigation evaluates the classical etiopathogenesis of Nidranash as expounded in Charaka Samhita and assesses the relevance of these classical Hetus in today’s population. Objectives: Systematic collection and classification of textual references on Nidranash from Charaka Samhita into five categories—Karya, Kala, Vikara, Prakruti, and Vayu—and conduct an observational cross-sectional survey of 300 insomnia patients to map these ancient principles to modern lifestyle triggers. Methodology: A total of 1,236 patients were screened at the Kayachikitsa OPD.Three hundred patients (aged 18–60 years) meeting diagnostic criteria were enrolled.Data were collected using a structured Case Record Form (CRF) and validated for randomization using a statistical Run test.Observations: The 31–40 years age group was most affected (39.66%), with a slight male predominance (55.66%).High-stress occupations, such as business (28.66%) and service (26.33%), dominated the sample.Psychological stress (Chinta) was reported in 34.66% of cases.When mapped to the five classical Hetus, Karya (occupational stress/overwork) emerged as the dominant trigger (48%, n = 144), followed by Vayu/Vata Prakopa (28%, n = 84), Kala (14.33%, n = 43), Prakruti (7.33%, n = 22), and Vikara (2.33%, n = 7). Principal Conclusions: The classical etiology defined by Acharya Charaka remains thoroughly valid in the modern era, with work overload and hyper-arousal (Karya Vyagrata) identified as the primary modern driver of sleep disorders.
Keywords
Keywords: NidranashCharaka SamhitaHetuInsomniaTrayopastambhaKarya VyagrataVata PrakopaAyurveda
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