Insomnia: Understanding the Causes, Symptoms, and Advanced Treatment Options – Insights by Dr. Kunal Bahrani
In today’s fast-paced world, getting quality sleep has become a luxury for many. Tossing and turning in bed, watching the clock tick past midnight, or waking up feeling tired and foggy — these are signs that you may need Insomnia Treatment. Insomnia, one of the most common sleep disorders, affects not just your rest but also your overall health, mood, and productivity.
Insomnia doesn’t just cause fatigue; it can affect concentration, mood, immunity, and even heart health.
According to Dr. Kunal Bahrani, Chairman & Group Director – Neurology at Yatharth Hospitals, Faridabad, understanding the root cause of insomnia is the key to long-term relief. As one of the best neurologists in Faridabad, he specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of sleep disorders, including chronic insomnia.
What Is Insomnia?
Insomnia is defined as difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early — despite having adequate opportunity for sleep. It can be:
- Acute Insomnia: Short-term sleep difficulty lasting a few days or weeks, often linked to stress or life changes.
- Chronic Insomnia: Persistent sleep problems occurring three or more nights a week for at least three months.
Chronic insomnia requires medical attention because it affects not just rest but overall brain and body health.
Common Symptoms of Insomnia
- Difficulty falling asleep at night
- Waking up frequently or too early
- Feeling tired or unrefreshed after sleep
- Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Mood disturbances (irritability, anxiety, depression)
- Reduced performance at work or school
Over time, poor sleep can impact immunity, hormonal balance, and cardiovascular health.
Causes of Insomnia
Insomnia can arise from multiple factors, both physical and psychological. Dr. Kunal Bahrani, one of the top neurologists in Faridabad, identifies and addresses the underlying cause through detailed evaluation.
- Stress and Anxiety
Emotional stress, overthinking, or chronic anxiety are leading causes of insomnia. The brain remains in a state of hyperarousal, making it hard to fall asleep.
- Depression and Mental Health Disorders
People with depression often experience disturbed sleep patterns — either insomnia or excessive sleepiness.
- Medical Conditions
- Chronic pain (like arthritis or fibromyalgia)
- Asthma or COPD
- Neurological conditions like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease
- Thyroid disorders
- Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
- Medications
Certain antidepressants, steroids, asthma, or blood pressure drugs can disrupt sleep cycles.
- Poor Sleep Habits
- Irregular sleep schedule
- Late-night screen use (blue light exposure)
- Caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol intake close to bedtime
- Hormonal or Circadian Rhythm Disturbances
Shift workers and frequent travelers often face circadian rhythm misalignment, leading to sleep difficulties.
Types of Insomnia
- Onset Insomnia: Trouble falling asleep at the start of the night.
- Maintenance Insomnia: Waking up frequently or too early.
- Comorbid Insomnia: Occurs with another medical or psychiatric condition.
How Insomnia Affects Brain and Body
Chronic insomnia is not just about tiredness. It disrupts essential physiological processes, including:
- Memory and learning: Sleep consolidates memory; lack of it impairs focus.
- Immune function: Reduced resistance to infections.
- Hormone balance: Affects cortisol, insulin, and growth hormone levels.
- Heart health: Increases risk of hypertension and heart disease.
- Mental health: Heightens risk of anxiety and depression.
Sleep is the brain’s reset mechanism — without it, both cognitive and physical health decline.
Diagnosis of Insomnia
Dr. Kunal Bahrani follows a comprehensive diagnostic process at Yatharth Hospitals, Faridabad, to pinpoint the root cause of insomnia.
- Detailed Sleep and Neurological Evaluation
- Sleep history (timing, duration, environment)
- Identification of stressors, medications, or lifestyle habits
- Screening for depression or anxiety
- Sleep Diary and Questionnaires
Patients may be asked to track sleep and wake patterns for 2–3 weeks.
- Polysomnography (Sleep Study)
A specialized overnight test that records brain waves, oxygen levels, heart rate, breathing, and body movements during sleep.
- Actigraphy
A wearable device monitors movement and sleep patterns over days or weeks.
These tools help distinguish primary insomnia from secondary causes like sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome.
Treatment Options for Insomnia
At Yatharth Hospitals, Faridabad, Dr. Bahrani uses a personalized, evidence-based approach to treat insomnia effectively and safely.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
CBT-I is the first-line treatment for chronic insomnia and focuses on modifying negative sleep behaviors and thoughts.
It includes:
- Sleep education and relaxation training
- Stimulus control therapy (e.g., bed used only for sleep)
- Sleep restriction therapy (consolidating fragmented sleep)
- Cognitive restructuring to reduce anxiety about sleep
CBT-I has proven long-term benefits and fewer side effects than sleeping pills.
- Medications (if needed)
When non-drug methods are insufficient, medications may be prescribed for short-term use under expert supervision.
- Sedative-hypnotics: Zolpidem, Eszopiclone
- Melatonin agonists: Ramelteon
- Antidepressants: Trazodone, Mirtazapine (for comorbid depression)
- Anti-anxiety agents: Benzodiazepines (used cautiously)
Dr. Bahrani emphasizes minimal and monitored use to avoid dependency.
- Lifestyle & Sleep Hygiene Modifications
Simple yet powerful lifestyle changes can greatly improve sleep quality:
- Maintain a consistent bedtime and wake time.
- Avoid caffeine or nicotine 6 hours before bed.
- Limit screen exposure before sleep.
- Exercise regularly but not right before bedtime.
- Create a dark, cool, quiet sleep environment.
- Avoid heavy meals late at night.
- Addressing Underlying Conditions
If insomnia is secondary to another illness (like thyroid imbalance, chronic pain, or depression), targeted treatment is essential.
As a leading neurologist in Faridabad, Dr. Bahrani ensures comprehensive care in collaboration with other specialists at Yatharth Hospitals.
- Melatonin and Natural Sleep Aids
Melatonin supplements can help reset the body clock, especially for shift workers or jet lag. Herbal remedies like valerian root or chamomile tea may provide mild calming effects, but always under medical advice.
When to See a Neurologist for Insomnia
Consult a neurologist if you:
- Struggle to fall or stay asleep for more than two weeks
- Experience daytime fatigue or poor concentration
- Rely on sleeping pills regularly
- Suspect another sleep disorder like sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome
Early intervention can prevent chronic insomnia and its complications.
Why Choose Dr. Kunal Bahrani for Insomnia Treatment in Faridabad
Dr. Kunal Bahrani, Chairman & Group Director – Neurology at Yatharth Hospitals, Faridabad, is widely regarded as one of the best neurologists in Faridabad for sleep-related disorders.
His treatment approach includes:
- Root cause analysis through advanced sleep studies
- Personalized sleep therapy plans
- Integration of cognitive, behavioral, and pharmacological solutions
- Coordination with psychiatry and pulmonology experts for complex cases
His expertise and empathetic patient care ensure long-lasting solutions rather than temporary fixes.
FAQs on Insomnia
Q1. How many hours of sleep does an adult need?
Most adults need 7–8 hours of sleep per night, though individual needs vary.
Q2. Are sleeping pills safe for long-term use?
No. Long-term use can cause dependence and memory issues. Always use them under a doctor’s supervision.
Q3. Can stress cause chronic insomnia?
Yes. Ongoing stress or anxiety keeps the brain alert and prevents relaxation, leading to chronic insomnia.
Q4. Is insomnia curable?
With proper diagnosis, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle management, most people recover from insomnia completely.
Q5. What foods promote better sleep?
Foods rich in tryptophan and magnesium — like bananas, almonds, and warm milk — may promote relaxation and sleep.
Conclusion
Insomnia is not just sleeplessness — it’s a complex neurological and behavioral condition that requires expert management. With proper evaluation and personalized treatment, restful nights are within reach.
At Yatharth Hospitals, Faridabad, Dr. Kunal Bahrani leads a comprehensive program for sleep disorders, combining advanced diagnostics, modern therapy, and compassionate care.
If sleepless nights are affecting your life, consult Dr. Kunal Bahrani, the best neurologist in Faridabad, to discover the root cause and regain your natural sleep rhythm