OverviewKey FactsSymptomsCausesTypesRisk factorsDiagnosisCelebs affectedPreventionSpecialist to visitTreatmentHome-careComplicationsAlternatives therapiesLiving withFAQsReferences
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Insomnia

Insomnia

Also known as: Sleeplessness, Sleep deprivation, Lack of sleep and Trouble sleeping

Overview

In simple terms, insomnia is characterized by dissatisfaction with sleep quantity or quality. It is associated with difficulty falling asleep, frequent nighttime awakenings with difficulty returning to sleep and waking up earlier in the morning than desired.

The immediate effects of insomnia include poor performance, daytime sleepiness, and fatigue, while the long term complications include poor immunity, indigestion, forgetfulness, risk of heart diseases, anxiety, depression, vision disturbances and even premature mortality. 

Hence, timely management of insomnia is of utmost importance. Acute or short term insomnia will often go away on its own following home-based interventions. However, chronic or long term insomnia may require making changes in sleep habits, taking prescribed medications, doing relaxation exercises, and treating the underlying condition that is causing insomnia. 

Key Facts

Usually seen in
  • Adults above 65 years of age
Gender affected
  • Both men and women but more common in women
Body part(s) involved
  • Brain
Mimicking Conditions
  • Sleep apnea
  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
  • Depression
  • Restless legs syndrome
  • Jet lag disorder
  • Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Anxiety disorder
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Alcoholism
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)
Necessary health tests/imaging
  • Polysomnography
  • Blood tests
  • Imaging tests like MRI and CT scan
  • Sleep record tests
  • Wrist actigraphy
  • Sleep quality tests
Treatment
Specialists to consult
  • Sleep specialist 
  • Neurologist
  • Psychiatrist
  • Psychologist

Symptoms Of Insomnia


The symptoms of insomnia include:

  • Difficulty falling asleep
  • Difficulty staying asleep
  • Getting up too early
  • Problems in day to day functioning due to insufficient sleep
  • Problems with concentration and memory
  • Tiredness and sleepiness during day time
  • Problems with work, family, and social life
  • Irritability, grumpiness, mood swings, and anxiety
  • Increased errors or accidents

Causes Of Insomnia


To know the causes, it is important to understand the basics of sleep. Several structures within the brain are involved with sleep mechanisms. Two internal biological mechanisms – circadian rhythm and homeostasis – work together to regulate when you are awake and asleep. One of the key hormones responsible for maintenance of the sleep wake cycle is melatonin, which is secreted by the pineal gland in our body.


Circadian rhythms 

Circadian rhythm influences many functions from daily fluctuations in wakefulness to body temperature, metabolism, and release of hormones. It controls the cause of being sleepy at night and the tendency to wake in the morning without an alarm. The body’s biological clock, which is based on a roughly 24-hour day, controls most circadian rhythms. Circadian rhythms synchronize with environmental cues (light and temperature) about the actual time of day, but they continue even in the absence of cues as they are not driven by the environment.


Sleep-wake homeostasis

It keeps track of your need for sleep. The homeostatic sleep drive reminds the body to sleep after a certain time and regulates sleep intensity. This sleep drive gets stronger every hour you are awake and causes you to sleep longer and more deeply after a period of sleep deprivation.

Factors that influence your sleep-wake needs include medical conditions, medications, stress, sleep environment, and what you eat and drink.

Types Of Insomnia


The type of insomnia one experiences has a lot to do with the underlying causes of insomnia.

Acute or short-term insomnia

It is having problems with sleep only for a brief period of time. This could be due to:

  1. Stress caused by a painful event in life such as loss of job, death of a loved one, and divorce 
  2. Worry before an exam
  3. Anxiety before an interview
  4. Pain or uneasiness due to an illness
  5. Travel that causes jet lag
  6. Unfamiliar surroundings like sleeping in a hotel or a new home
  7. Uncomfortable bed
  8. Disturbances due to noise and light
  9. Occupational night shifts


Chronic or long-term insomnia

It happens when you have trouble falling asleep for at least 3 days in a week for 3 consecutive months. It may occur due to:

  1. Stress

  2. Parkinson's disease

  3. Alzheimer's disease

  4. Depression

  5. Mania or bipolar disorder

  6. Post traumatic disorder

  7. Drug abuse

  8. Alcohol intake

  9. Heavy smoking

  10. Obstructive sleep apnea

  11. Poor sleep habits

  12. Medical conditions like asthma & heart failure

Myth: Snoring during sleep is quite normal
Fact: Snoring could be a sign of an underlying condition known as obstructive sleep apnea and is associated with several medical problems such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. This usually means that something is affecting your breathing during sleep. Snoring can occur in kids as well as adults. Here are more myths and facts about sleep.

Risk Factors For Insomnia


Almost everyone might have experienced difficulty in sleeping at one point in their life. However, your risk of suffering insomnia is high, if you:

  • Are a woman due to hormonal changes during periods and pregnancy

  • Are above 60 years of age as with age changes in sleep patterns occur

  • Have a chronic health condition which can impact your physical as well as mental health

  • Are taking certain medications such as steroids, decongestants, and antihypertensives which risk of sleeping problems as a side-effect

  • Are stressed due to family matters, job pressure or any other triggers of stress

  • Have an irregular lifestyle pattern such as night shifts, poor sleep environment, exercising or use of devices close to bedtime

  • Excessive use of stimulants like coffee or tea especially during the evening or close to bed can can interfere with your sleep schedule

  • Alcohol consumption may help you fall asleep, but when consumed in excess, it prevents deeper stages of sleep and often causes awakening in the middle of the night and hence deteriorates the sleep quality

Diagnosis Of Insomnia 


The diagnosis of insomnia includes taking an extensive history of the patient that includes questions on:

  • Duration of sleep during night time
  • Daytime napping, if any
  • Frequency of having difficulty in sleeping
  • Medical condition, if any
  • Any stressful event in the recent past


A doctor may conduct a few tests such as:

1. Blood tests

Tests for thyroid disorders, anemia (low hemoglobin), and uremia (high uric acid levels) are recommended to rule out any underlying health problems.


2. Imaging tests

These are recommended to know if there are any problems with the brain or nerve problems that may be responsible for problems with sleep. Imaging tests such as CT and MRI scan are advised, in some cases.


3. Sleep record tests (sleep log)

Sleep record over a period of 2 weeks to know the time at which a patient falls asleep, the duration of sleep in the daytime as well as night time. The patient may be asked to record these in a diary.


4. Wrist actigraphy

It is to detect movements during sleep. A device called actigraphy is worn on the wrist during sleeping. It records body movements and can help distinguish wakefulness from sleep.


5. Sleep quality tests

These tests are done to measure the quality of sleep such as the insomnia severity index or Pittsburgh sleep quality index.


6. Polysomnography

Polysomnography is done, if the cause of your insomnia isn't clear or you have signs of another sleep disorder such as sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome. It is used to record a set of parameters like brain waves, heart rate, breathing, oxygen levels, and eye and leg movements during sleep. You may need to spend a night at a sleep center for this test.

Celebs affected

Shahid Kapoor
Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor spoke about being an insomniac during a promotional activity of his film Shaandar in 2015.
George Clooney
In 2012 during an interview, American actor and filmmaker George Clooney, had revealed that he routinely had a tough time getting asleep.

Prevention Of Insomnia

 

To prevent insomnia, you need to have a good night’s sleep. Here are a few simple and effective habits that you can adapt to ensure that you get a sound sleep.

  • Maintain a sleep schedule and follow sleep hygiene guidelines. This includes sleeping and waking up at the same time everyday.
  • Get early morning sunlight. Spending 15-30 minutes in sunlight keeps the body’s biological clock in order. 
  • Stay active during the day as a sedentary lifestyle can hamper a good night's sleep.
  • Limit daytime naps.
  • Mind what you eat by avoiding large meals and beverages before bedtime.
  • Switch off the television set and computers two hours prior to sleep time. The light from the screen interferes with the sleep cycle.
  • Discourage use of tablets and smartphones on bed as the blue light from these gadgets interferes with the release of melatonin or the sleep hormone.
  • Avoid intake of caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol before sleeping.
  • Create a relaxing pre-bedtime ritual such as taking a warm bath, reading or listening to soft music.
  • Sleeping in complete darkness can help you to get rid of night lights and any other light coming from outside. This helps in secreting melatonin and promoting sound sleep.

Read about daytime habits that can prevent insomnia and improve your sleep!


Specialist To Visit 


If you face any difficulty in falling asleep at night or if you have been suffering from any chronic health problem that is affecting your sleep patterns, then it is wise to consult a doctor at the earliest.

Although, your general physician is the first doctor you may need to consult to know the cause of insomnia, other specialists who can help in the diagnosis and treatment of insomnia and its related health complications are:

  • Sleep specialist 

  • Neurologist

  • Psychiatrist

  • Psychologist

Consult India’s best doctors online.


Treatment Of Insomnia


Treatment of insomnia includes making changes in sleep habits, taking medicines, doing relaxation exercises, and treating the underlying condition that causes insomnia. 


1. Cognitive behavioral therapy 

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) can help you control or eliminate negative thoughts and actions that keep you awake and is generally recommended as the first line of treatment for people with insomnia. Typically, CBT-I is equally or more effective than sleep medications.

The cognitive part of CBT-I teaches you to recognize and change beliefs that affect your ability to sleep while the behavioral part of CBT-I helps you develop good sleep habits and avoid behaviors that keep you from sleeping well.


2. Medications


1. Benzodiazepines
It inhibits the reticular activating system (RAS) center, also known as awakening center, thereby inducing sleep. Benzodiazepines carry a risk of addiction and abuse, especially in patients with history of alcohol or sedative abuse, so medical supervision is advisable. Some of the common examples of this class of drugs include:

2. Barbiturates
These drugs act on the GABA receptor thereby aiding in sleep. It causes long term changes thereby ensuring that the effect of the drug lasts for a long time. Examples include: 

3. (Z) Drugs 
These drugs are basically newer drugs of benzodiazepine agonist class, however they are relatively more specific as these act on alpha 1 subunit of GABA-A receptor. These are recommended for early phase insomnia, late phase insomnia and middle of night awakening problems. The medications that belong to this group include:

4. Heterocyclic antidepressants
These are the most commonly prescribed alternatives to benzodiazepine receptor agonists due to their lack of abuse potential and lower cost. The common examples include:

5. Melatonin receptor agonists
As the name suggests, these drugs act on the melatonin receptor to include sleep. These drugs are mostly recommended for people with sleep cycle disorder (people who sleep at any time other than the actual sleeping time), shift workers, and insomnia due to jet lag. Some of the common drugs include:

6. Orexin pathway inhibitors
These drugs inhibit the chemical orexin, which is known to keep the RAS center active.  Suvorexant is a commonly used drug that belongs to this class.

7. Antihistamines
Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine are the primary active ingredients in the most over-the-counter sleep aids. Some of the side effects include dry mouth and constipation.


Do’s and Don’ts when using sleeping pills

  • Never mix sleeping pills with alcohol or other sedative drugs.

  • Always consult your doctor prior to taking any sleeping pill as most of these medicines have abuse potential.

  • Don’t take a second dose in the middle of the night.

  • Start with the lowest recommended dose. 

  • Avoid frequent use of sleeping pills to avoid dependency and lower its side-effects.

  • Never drive a car or operate machinery after taking a sleeping pill.

  • Carefully read the package insert for any potential side effects and drug interactions.

Note: Medications for insomnia may increase the risk of injurious falls and confusion in elderly. Hence, they should be taken cautiously in the lowest effective dose and under strict medical supervision.

 Home-care For Insomnia 


Your need for sleep and your sleep patterns change as you age but this varies significantly across individuals of the same age. There is no magic “number of sleep hours” that works for everybody of the same age. 

  • Babies initially sleep as much as 16 to 18 hours per day, which may boost growth and development (especially of the brain). 

  • School-aged children and teens on an average need about 9.5 hours of sleep per night. 

  • Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep a night but after age 60, nighttime sleep tends to be shorter, lighter, and interrupted by multiple awakenings.  

Poor sleep habits are one of the common causes of insomnia. Here are 8 effective ways to improve your child's sleeping habits. 



Complications Of Insomnia


Sleep problems are associated with short and long-term effects on health and well-being. The immediate effects include poor performance, daytime sleepiness, and fatigue. The long term complications caused due to sleep deprivation include premature mortality, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, and psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression.

Some of the common effects of sleep deprivation include:


1. Accidents

Fatal road accidents are caused due to sleepiness or driver fatigue.


2. Heart disease

Insomnia and obstructive sleep apnoea have also been linked to higher rates of hypertension. Moreover, sleep loss can affect inflammatory markers, which in turn can increase the risk of heart disease. Studies have shown that inflammatory responses are increased in people with obstructive sleep apnoea.


3. Obesity

The role of obesity and sleep loss is bidirectional. The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea is over double among the obese. It is reported that 3–5% of the overall proportion of obesity in adults could be attributable to short sleep.


4. Diabetes

Sleep restriction and poor quality of sleep are linked to increased risk of diabetes. Lack of sleep is linked to glucose dysregulation and an increase in hunger and appetite via hormonal imbalance. It causes down-regulation of the satiety hormone, leptin, and up-regulation of the appetite-stimulating hormone, ghrelin.


5. Stress & anxiety

Lack of sleep can lead to mental disorders such as stress and anxiety. However, depression is also one of the most prevalent of the conditions associated with troubled sleep. Poor sleep can up the levels of stress hormones and in the long run, can affect mental health. Insomnia can negatively affect work performance, impair decision-making, damage relationships and decline overall quality of life.


6. Poor performance

A direct way that sleep and school or job performance are connected is through effects on mental functioning. Some known problems associated with lack of sleep include decreased attention. The ability to concentrate is vital to learning and academic achievement but insufficient sleep reduces attention and focus.

Here are a few tips that will help you get a goodnight’s sleep and avoid complications of insomnia.

Alternative Therapies For Insomnia


If you are one of those who has problems falling asleep, read on to know about some of the best foods to have before you hit the bed.

1. Cherries

Cherries contain melatonin, which is a sleep-regulating hormone. A study shows that drinking 200 ml tart cherry juice twice a day helps in increasing sleep quality and duration. This is an excellent remedy for people suffering from insomnia. Drink a glass of cherry juice before going to bed. You can add some water, if you do not like its taste.

2. Kiwis

Kiwis have high levels of antioxidants and serotonin, a hormone that aids in sleep. As low levels of serotonin can lead to insomnia, munching two kiwis an hour before sleep can help you to sleep better. 

3. Walnuts (Akhrot)

Like cherries, walnuts are also a source of melatonin. Eating a handful of walnuts will help you sail through the night. Since nuts are high in calories, just having 20-30 gms of it would be sufficient.

4. Banana (Kela)

They are a rich source of potassium and magnesium which acts as muscle relaxing agents. In addition, they contain amino acid tryptophan which the body converts to serotonin. Plus, they are a source of carbohydrates which will make you feel sleepy as well.

5. Leafy green vegetables

Leafy green vegetables such as turnip green and spinach have calcium which is used by the brain to produce sleep-inducing hormone melatonin. Try a leafy vegetable salad for dinner.

6. Almond butter

Almond butter is a source of magnesium, low levels of which are related to insomnia. Munch a whole grain toast coated with almond butter as a pre-sleep snack.

7. Sleep-inducing teas 

Teas like chamomile (babunah ke phul) tea, passion flower tea, magnolia bark tea, peppermint (pudina) tea, and lavender tea can promote good sleep.

However, remember not to eat too much just before trying to sleep. Scheduling your dinner time in the evenings may help you sleep better. Doing regular light exercise can help you get a good sleep. Try yoga, meditation or breathing exercises to relax.


Supplements for insomnia

There are many dietary and herbal supplements available in the market that are known for their sleep-promoting effects. As these supplements can interfere with other medications and vitamin supplements, it is best to talk to your doctor before taking them. The two common supplements for insomnia are:


Melatonin:
It is a hormone that helps to regulate the sleep-wake cycle and is known to be effective for people who are night owls (who go to bed and wake up late). It is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) supplement. 

Valerian: It is a herbal supplement which is known to have mild sedative (sleep-inducing) effects. There are a wide range of valerian supplements available. Pick the one that best suits your needs.

Did you know?
Sleeping on the stomach can cause serious damage to the muscles of the neck and spine. Here's more about the worst and the best sleeping positions to help you sleep better.
Did you know?

Living With Insomnia


Insomnia can cause difficulty in falling asleep or can wake you up in the middle of the night. Here are a few tips to deal with these issues and improve your condition.


A. What to do when you have difficulty falling asleep

1. Maintain a sleep diary

A sleep diary can pinpoint day and nighttime habits that may contribute to your problems at night. Your sleep diary should include:

  • What time you went to bed and woke up.
  • Total sleep hours and perceived quality of your sleep.
  • A record of time you spent awake and what you did ( for example: got up, had a glass of milk, and meditate).
  • Type and amount of food, liquids, caffeine, or alcohol you consumed before bed, and time of consumption.
  • Your feelings and moods before bed (happiness, sadness, stress and anxiety).
  • Any drugs or medications taken including dose and time of consumption.

2. Create a better sleep environment

A quiet, comfortable sleep environment and a relaxing bedtime routine can make a big difference in improving the quality of your sleep.

  • Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, and cool and also invest in proper mattress, foam toppers, and pillows.

  • Try using a sound machine or earplugs to mask outside noise and use blackout curtains or an eye mask to block out light.

  • Keep your window open for proper ventilation and to keep the room cool 

  • Stick to a regular sleep schedule such as going to bed and getting up at the same time every day, including weekends.

  • Turn off all screens at least an hour before bed as electronic devices emit a blue light that disrupts your body’s production of melatonin and combats sleepiness.

  • Avoid stimulating activity and stressful situations before bedtime such as  checking messages on social media, discussions or arguments, or catching up on work.

  • Avoid naps during the day as it can make it more difficult to sleep at night. However, power naps of 30 minutes when tired, especially in the afternoon, can be of great help.

3. Avoid certain things before going to bed

These include:

  • Drinking too many liquids or alcohol just before bed.

  • Big evening meals and spicy or acidic foods that can promote  acidity or uneasiness while sleeping. 

  • Drinking caffeinated beverages at least six hours before bedtime. 

4. Say NO to negative thoughts and worries

The more trouble you have with sleep, the more it starts to invade your thoughts. These self-destructing thoughts can further fuel insomnia.  For example, instead of thinking "I’m never going to be able to sleep well. It’s out of my control, "think of a self promoting comeback like,  "insomnia can be cured and if I stop worrying so much and focus on positive solutions, I can beat it."

5. Make your bed your buddy

  • Use the bedroom only for sleeping (and sex) but not for work, watch TV or scroll through your phone at night. 

  • Do not hang wall clocks in the bedroom as watching the time tick as you count sheep in bed can further make you anxious about getting tired the next day, adding fuel to your worries.

  • Instead of tossing and turning in bed, leave the bedroom, and do something relaxing like taking a stroll on your balcony or drinking a cup of herbal tea.

B) What to do if you wake up in the middle of the night

Many people with insomnia are able to fall asleep at bedtime, but then wake up in the middle of the night. And once they wake up, they find it difficult to go back to sleep, often lying awake for hours. If this is your problem, then here are a few tips that can help you!

1. Do not stress too much

As stressing over not being able to fall asleep at night can further activate your brain and elevate stress levels making you stay awake at night. Instead, taking deep breaths or closing your eyes and concentrating on your breathing can help to ease stress and induce sleep. Ways to do abdominal breathing:

  •  Close your eyes

  • Take deep, slow breaths

  • Make sure each breath is deeper than the last

  • Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth

2. Try relaxation techniques

If you find it hard to fall back to sleep, try a relaxation technique such as visualization or meditation on your bed. This can help you to rejuvenate your mind and body and may help you sleep. Steps for mindfulness meditation:

  • Sit or lie quietly

  • Focus on your natural breathing

  • Allow thoughts and emotions to come and go without judgment

  • As you do so, always focus on your breath and body

3. Say yes to simple exercises

Simple exercises such as rubbing your ears or rolling your eyes can help promote calmness and relaxation, thereby helping you to sleep better.

4. Get out of your bedroom

If you have been lying on your bed for more than 30 minutes, then get out of your bedroom and try reading a book or drinking herbal teas. Do not watch TV or check your phone.

5. Postpone your worries for the next day

Whether you feel anxious about something or have an idea for your presentation, then make a note of it on paper and go back to sleep. Leave your ideas or worries for the next day and get a good night’s sleep.

Frequently Asked Questions

References

  1. Ferrie JE, Kumari M, Salo P, Singh-Manoux A, Kivimäki M. Sleep epidemiology--a rapidly growing field. Int J Epidemiol. 2011 Dec;40(6):1431-7.External Link
  2. Bhaskar S, Hemavathy D, Prasad S. Prevalence of chronic insomnia in adult patients and its correlation with medical comorbidities. J Family Med Prim Care. 2016 Oct-Dec;5(4):780-784.External Link
  3. Shah N, Bang A, Bhagat A. Indian research on sleep disorders. Indian J Psychiatry. 2010 Jan;52(Suppl 1):S255-9.External Link
  4. Mondal G, Bajaj V, Goyal BL, Mukherjee N. Prevalence of sleep disorders and severity of insomnia in psychiatric outpatients attending a tertiary level mental health care facility in Punjab, India. Asian J Psychiatr. 2018 Feb;32:8-13. External Link
  5. Gupta R, Das S, Gujar K, Mishra KK, Gaur N, Majid A. Clinical Practice Guidelines for Sleep Disorders. Indian J Psychiatry. 2017 Jan;59(Suppl 1):S116-S138. External Link
  6. Stranges S, Tigbe W, Gómez-Olivé FX, Thorogood M, Kandala NB. Sleep problems: an emerging global epidemic? Findings from the INDEPTH WHO-SAGE study among more than 40,000 older adults from 8 countries across Africa and Asia. Sleep. 2012 Aug 1;35(8):1173-81.External Link
  7. National Institute of Health. Insomnia | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) [Internet]. Nhlbi.nih.gov. 2018 [cited 5 October 2018]. Available from: External Link
  8. Jehan S, Auguste E, Hussain M, Pandi-Perumal S, Brzezinski A, Gupta R et al. Sleep and Premenstrual Syndrome. Journal of Sleep Medicine and Disorders [Internet]. 2016 [cited 5 October 2018];3(5). Available from:External Link
  9. Roth T, Roehrs T. Insomnia: Epidemiology, characteristics, and consequences. Clinical Cornerstone. 2003;5(3):5-15.External Link
  10. Johnson E, Roth T, Schultz L, Breslau N. Epidemiology of DSM-IV Insomnia in Adolescence: Lifetime Prevalence, Chronicity, and an Emergent Gender Difference. PEDIATRICS. 2006;117(2).External Link
  11. Nowakowski S, Meers J, Heimbach E. Sleep and Women's Health. Sleep Med Res. 2013;4(1):1-22.External Link
  12. Kaur H, Spurling BC, Bollu PC. Chronic Insomnia. [Updated 2021 Jul 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan. External Link
  13. Ramakrishnan K, Scheid DC. Treatment options for insomnia. Am Fam Physician. 2007 Aug 15;76(4):517-26.External Link
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