Abstract

THE DAIRY DILEMMA: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF GOKSHEERA (COW’S MILK) AND MAHISHKSHEERA (BUFFALO MILK) IN PROMOTING RESTFUL SLEEP

Dr. Deval Shah*, Dr. Vaidehi Raole and Dr. Sujit Kumar

ABSTRACT

Sleep quality is an essential factor in maintaining physical and mental well-being. Traditional Ayurvedic texts emphasize the role of diet, particularly milk, in promoting sound sleep. Cow’s milk (Goksheera) and buffalo milk (Mahishksheera) have been classically described with different properties, yet their effects on sleep quality have not been scientifically compared. Aim: To compare the effect of Goksheera and Mahishksheera on the quality of sleep in healthy individuals through an observational study. Methods: A total of 60 participants aged 18–40 years were enrolled and grouped based on their habitual milk consumption — 30 consuming cow’s milk and 30 consuming buffalo milk for a minimum of 30 days. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) before and after the intervention period. Participants continued their routine milk intake daily at night, 30 minutes before sleep. Results: The Goksheera group showedsignificant improvement in sleep latency and overall PSQI score (p<0.05) compared to the Mahishksheera group. However, the Mahishksheera group reported longer sleep duration but with increased morning heaviness. Conclusion: Goksheera may be more beneficial in improving subjective sleep quality, particularly in reducing time to fall asleep and promoting freshness on waking. Mahishksheera, while promoting deeper and longer sleep, may induce Kapha-related heaviness. These findings support the traditional Ayurvedic view and offer direction for individualized dietary recommendations.

Keywords: Goksheera, Mahishksheera, Cow’s Milk, Buffalo Milk, Sleep Quality, Ayurveda, PSQI.