With immunity being the buzzword at the moment due to the growing COVID-19 threat, wellness professionals and doctors are putting food, exercise and sleep at the forefront. Sleeping and waking up on time can help improve cell repair and balance hormones, making it ultra-important to focus on right now, says nutritionist Harpreet Pasricha.
Dr Rohan Bokadwalla, a Mumbai-based neuropsychiatrist suggests that working from home can cause an issue with sleep patterns, considering the change in routine. He suggests setting a new normal, avoid napping, having a warm bath before sleep, and eating tryptophan-rich foods. But if you’re not able to fall asleep due to stress, too-long a nap or feeling too wired, a sleep-inducing drink might be a great addition to your night routine.
One of the most trusted herbs in Ayurveda, ashwagandha is also known for its stress-relieving benefits, as it helps to lower the levels of cortisol, commonly known as the stress hormone. A cup of ashwagandha tea can help with insomnia. “It contains a compound triethylene glycol, which promotes sleep induction,” adds Pasricha.
Haldi doodh, the Indian staple, is the nutritionist-preferred choice for a nourishing nightcap. The curcumin in turmeric has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibacterial properties which protects from infections while also healing wounds and inflammations. A dash of pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg, not only elevates the humble haldi doodh to a golden latte but also increases the bioavailability of curcumin.
Boil a cup of water with a tsp of cinnamon powder or a fresh cinnamon stick, and let it simmer. Strain and consume. Alternatively, you could also drink warm milk with cinnamon every night before bed. “Cinnamon works wonders in relaxing your muscles and removing tension from your body,” says Pasricha, and might help you drift off to sleep.
Nutritionist Fatema Valikarimwala shares her concoction to help unwind at the end of the day. “Add nutmeg powder, saffron, khus khus powder and pre-soaked black raisins, and add it to water. Bring it to a boil,” she says. “Nutmeg and saffron can do wonders for anxiety-related sleeplessness,” she says.
These dried flowers have been proven to induce relaxation. Chamomile and lavender are natural sedatives and have anti-inflammatory properties, helping alleviate migraines and muscle headaches.
The article was first published in Vogue
