Understanding Sleep Balance: Ancient Greek Medicine's View on Rest and Wakefulness

Kathmandu. Today, the lives of many of us have become hustle-filled. Due to work pressure, responsibilities, and addiction to social media, some people stay up very late at night. They do not get enough sleep. But we also have those who sleep excessively. However, very few people understand the importance of maintaining a proper balance between sleep and wakefulness for our body. In Greek medicine, this is considered one of the fundamental principles of a healthy life. If this balance between sleep and wakefulness is disturbed, various diseases begin to arise in the body.

• Sleep is the Time for Body Repair

According to Greek medicine, sleep is not just a time for rest. It is a crucial time for body repair. While we are asleep, the body's inner energy (called 'Ruh-e-Hayati' in Greek) is conserved, and it repairs damaged parts of the body. During this time, digestion is balanced, the brain rests, and the body is rejuvenated. If sleep remains insufficient, the body starts to weaken, irritability increases in people, and thinking ability is also affected.

Furthermore, the Greek principle also deems staying awake for too long as harmful. Staying up late or working continuously increases heat and dryness in the body. This primarily affects the brain, eyes, and nerves. Such individuals suffer from problems like headaches, burning sensations in the body, restlessness, dry mouth, and fatigue. If sleep is deprived for a long time, the body starts to lose moisture, which can lead to weakness and premature aging.

• Sleeping Too Much is Equally Harmful

Greek medicine suggests that sleeping too much can also be detrimental. Excessive sleep increases coldness and excessive moisture in the body. This slows down bodily functions, weakens digestion, and causes problems like lethargy. People who sleep too much may experience obesity, heaviness, gas, cough, and lack of concentration.

• How to Determine Sleep Requirements?

In Greek medicine, a sleep schedule is recommended based on an individual's mood and age to maintain good health. Children require more sleep, while the elderly need less. Similarly, people with hot temperaments need balanced, light sleep, whereas those with cold temperaments should be cautious about sleeping excessively. The best sleep is considered to be the night's sleep. When one sleeps soundly throughout the night, the body feels refreshed in the morning.

(Disclaimer: This advice-based content provides general information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult an expert or your doctor for further information.)