Published Paper Details:

Insomnia (Saher) is a common sleep disorder associated with impaired physical and mental health. Classical Unani physicians extensively described Saher, emphasizing the roles of lifestyle, diet, emotional health, and cerebral temperament in sleep regulation. Although many of these concepts parallel contemporary scientific understanding, they have not been comprehensively reviewed. This narrative review compares classical Unani concepts of Saher with contemporary scientific evidence using six authoritative Unani texts (Al Akseer, Al Qanun fi al Tibb, Zakhira Khwarzamshahi, Kitab al Hawi fi al Tibb, Tibb-e-Akbar, and Moalejat Sharah-e-Asbab) and current peer-reviewed sleep medicine literature. The review focuses on lifestyle and dietary determinants, including circadian rhythm, physical activity, mental health, environmental factors, diet, and digestive health. Classical Unani literature attributes Saher to altered cerebral temperament (Su-e-Mizaj), humoral imbalance, impaired digestion, psychological distress, and unhealthy lifestyle practices. Regulation of Asbab-e-Sitta Zarooriyah, balanced nutrition, appropriate meal timing, healthy digestion, physical activity, emotional well-being, and a favourable sleep environment were recommended for its prevention and management. Contemporary evidence supports the importance of these factors in chronic insomnia, demonstrating substantial conceptual agreement despite differing theoretical frameworks. Many classical Unani recommendations are supported by current evidence and may provide a valuable foundation for integrative approaches to insomnia prevention and management.