It is the inability to fall asleep or sleep in the night which results in unrestored or unrefreshed sleep for 3 nights in a week for longer than a month. This is a common concern which can take a toll on the energy levels, mood as well as the ability to perform day to day tasks. Insomnia can be for short or long term (acute insomnia). If persisting over long periods, it can even lead to serious health issues. Insomnia can occur to 1 adult in 3 and chronic insomnia to 1 adult in 10.

• Difficulty in sleeping or waking up at night
• Getting waken up too early in the morning
• Not having a well-rested feeling even after a night’s sleep
• Continuous tiredness throughout the day
• Being irritable, depressed, or anxiety
• Difficulty in concentration, focusing on activities or recalling information
• Increased number of errors or accidents

Insomnia can be due to two reasons:

• Due to the side effect of a neurological, emotional or a medical or sleep disorder.
• Use of specific medications or substances, like caffeine. Insomnia is usually due to this cause.

Change in the lifestyle can incredibly make a difference in relieving the symptoms of acute insomnia. The lifestyle changes can include going to sleep early and getting up early in the morning.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is also known to help in relieving the anxiety that could be the root cause of chronic insomnia as it is focused on working on the thoughts as well as actions that cause sleeplessness.

In some acute cases, medicines can also be given to help cure this concern.