ANALYTICAL STUDIES ON SLEEP AND ITS ANTI-AGEING EFFECT FROM THEPERSPECTIVE OF AYURVEDA AND MODERN NEUROLOGY

Introduction: Sleep (Nidra) is recognised in Ayurveda as one of the three foundational pillars of health (Tray-opastambha), which is essential for physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Nidra serves as a potent Ra-sayana (rejuvenator), playing a pivotal role in promoting longevity and preventing ageing. This review study examines Ayurvedic insights into Nidra as a supreme rejuvenator and its significant contribution to anti-ageing. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted using classical Ayurvedic texts (e.g., Charaka Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya) and modern databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and the AYUSH Re-search Portal. Keywords included “Nidra,” “sleep,” “rejuvenation,” and “anti-ageing.” Articles and references that explored Nidra in relation to ageing or rejuvenation were selected. Inclusion criteria focused on classical descriptions, conceptual articles, and clinical evidence. Discussions: Ayurvedic classics emphasise the role of Nidra in maintaining Ojas (vital essence) and balancing the Tridoshas, which are crucial in slowing down the ageing process. Adequate and quality sleep aids in tissue repair, hormonal balance, and the prevention of degen-erative changes. From a modern perspective, sleep facilitates cellular regeneration, strengthens immune function, and mitigates oxidative stress factors closely linked to ageing. A comparative analysis shows that both ancient Ayurveda and modern neurological science emphasise the importance of adequate regular sleep in supporting the anti-ageing process, tissue repair cycle, immunomodulation, and physiological restoration process. Similarly, both Ayurveda and modern neurology cite the common impact of sleep deprivation, including metabolic disturb-ances, diminution of body tissues, reduced cognitive ability, and decline in intellectual capacity. Conclusions: This study highlights the physiological and therapeutic relevance of Nidra in slowing down the ageing process. Furthermore, it discusses lifestyle practices and therapeutic interventions (Dinacharya and Ratricharya) for pro-moting restorative sleep. By integrating Ayurvedic principles with contemporary evidence, this review under-scores the role of Nidra as a cornerstone for holistic rejuvenation and healthy ageing.