Laxman needed to ensure Rama and Sita during the time of outcast, and for that, he needed to be without rest. To abstain from resting, Laxman drew nearer Nidra, the Goddess of Sleep and requested that her reclaim his rest for a long time. 

The Goddess concurred by saying that another person would need to rest for his benefit for a long time. Laxman went to his significant other Urmila and inquired as to whether she would take his rest, to which she concurred

. Urmila dozed for a long time and in this way encouraged Laxman to support Rama.