You’ve been in bed for hours, eyes wanting to close, but your mind is wide awake. Or maybe you finally drift off, only to wake at 3 a.m., staring at the clock. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
Sleep struggles can come from many directions—physical, emotional, and even spiritual. But there are clear patterns, and once you know them, you can begin to shift.
Stress & Overthinking: Racing thoughts keep the nervous system on high alert.
Blue Light Exposure: Phones, TVs, and laptops trick the brain into thinking it’s daytime, suppressing melatonin.
Caffeine & Alcohol: Even “innocent” afternoon coffee or a nightcap can sabotage deep sleep.
Irregular Sleep Schedules: Constantly changing bedtime and wake time confuses your circadian rhythm.
Medical Conditions: Insomnia, sleep apnea, restless legs, or hormonal shifts can all play a role.
Ayurveda: Dosha Imbalances & Sleep
Ayurveda teaches that sleep difficulties arise when the doshas (our natural energies) fall out of balance:
Vata Imbalance: Mind won’t stop racing, body restless, tossing and turning. Common in times of stress, anxiety, or overwork.
Pitta Imbalance: Waking up at 2–3 a.m. with a busy mind or overheating at night. Classic “second wind” energy that keeps you wired.
Kapha Imbalance: Oversleeping but still feeling sluggish. Heavy energy that doesn’t refresh you.
Ayurveda calls sleep Nidra, one of the three pillars of life. When Nidra is disrupted, every aspect of your health—body, mind, and spirit—feels it.
The Feminine Truth: Why Women Struggle More
Women often ask me, “Why does my partner fall asleep instantly, but I lie awake?”
Here’s why:
- Women carry a heavier emotional load—often processing the day’s details long after lights out.
- Hormones shift monthly and across life stages—PMS, perimenopause, and menopause all affect sleep.
- Many women don’t feel fully safe to surrender—their nervous system is still “on guard.”
This is why women may need more sleep than men and also more rituals that create safety, softness, and surrender.
What You Can Do Tonight
If you’re asking, “Why can’t I sleep?”—here are practices to begin with:
Create Safety: Dim lights, switch off screens, and give yourself a wind-down ritual.
Ground Vata: Warm milk with nutmeg or a few drops of sesame oil massaged into your feet.
Cool Pitta: A cool, dark bedroom; avoid spicy food or alcohol at night.
Lighten Kapha: Wake earlier, keep the body moving during the day.
Feminine Ritual: Place one hand on your womb, one on your heart. Breathe slowly, telling your body, “It is safe to rest.”
Struggling for quality deep sleep is a sign your body and soul are asking for attention and care.
That’s exactly why I created the Sleep Sanctuary. After a life-changing event, I created a sleep discipline for myself with one simple goal, to get rid of my brain fog from so much stress and trauma. I gave myself 30 days. Then 30 days turned into a year. I go more into detail about exactly what I did and the beautiful gifts that came because of my sleep disciplines.
Read more: Sacred Plants for Sleep: Feminine Wisdom in Herbal Medicine
