Ratrijagarana night wakefulness and its impact on Manasika Bhava mental characteristics among industrial workers: A descriptive cross-sectional study

Nidra (sleep), Ahara (food) and Brahmacharya (abstinence) are the three sub-pillars of health and alterations in these basic pillars of health can lead to mortality and morbidity. Among these, Nidra has a critical role in the biological and psychological functioning of the body. The circadian rhythm is the physiological machinery that controls and regulates physiological activities throughout the 24 hours in conjunction with the day and night. The synchronicity of the circadian rhythm and adequate sleep is essential for maintaining normal physical and mental health. This study, therefore, was undertaken as a descriptive cross-sectional survey to evaluate the impact of Ratrijagarana (night wakefulness) on Manasika Bhava (mental characteristics) among industrial workers aged between 19 and 25 years from both genders. Maniasika Bhavas were assessed using Manasa Bhava Pariksha (MBP), a 20 item questionnaire. The results indicate a substantial change in Mana (non-distracted mind), Chinta (anxiety/worry), Dhairyam (courage), Harsha (joy), Veeryam (energy), Shraddha (desire), Medha (intelligence), Avasthaana (stability of mind), Vignyaana (knowledge), Sanjna (recognition), and Smriti (memory). Among these, Sanjna, Medha and Mana and Veeryam are most affected, with positive ranks scoring 115, 107 and 104. Vignyaana, (χ2(6) = 162.031; p = .001) Veerya (χ2(4) = 12.688; p = .013) and Shraddha (χ2(6) = 12.558; p = .05) also showed significant association with sleeping hours per day. These encouranging results need further corroboration through future studies with larger sample size and diverse populations.