A Decade of Global Research on Traditional Indian Medicine and Sleep Disorders (2016–2025): A Bibliometric and Thematic Evolution Analysis

Abstract

Sleep disorders are an increasing global public health concern, negatively impacting mental health, productivity, and quality of life. In parallel, Traditional Indian Medicine (TIM)—including yoga, Ayurveda, and meditation—is gaining attention as a holistic, non-pharmacological alternative to improve sleep health and psychological well-being. This study presents the first comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global research exploring the intersection of TIM and sleep disorders from 2016 to 2025. It maps intellectual trends, thematic clusters, and research evolution in the field. A total of 1,225 records were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection, with 885 meeting inclusion criteria. VOSviewer and Biblioshiny were used for co-occurrence analysis and thematic mapping. Keyword development was supported by OpenAI’s ChatGPT (GPT-4) to enhance conceptual coverage during search formulation. Eleven thematic clusters were identified, including mindfulness, cognitive aging, trauma-informed interventions, and youth sleep health. Thematic evolution showed a progression from general wellness practices to focused clinical applications by 2024–2025.The study reveals a maturing interdisciplinary research field, with increasing global recognition of TIM’s relevance in sleep science. This bibliometric overview provides a conceptual roadmap for future integrative health research and policy development.