DIFFICULTY FALLING OR STAYING ASLEEP

Insomnia

Q: Is it normal to wake up at night?

Brief awakenings during the night are normal and most people don't remember them. Difficulty returning to sleep, frequent or prolonged awakenings, or daytime consequences from disturbed sleep suggest insomnia that warrants evaluation.

Q: Why is CBT-I better than sleeping pills?

CBT-I addresses the underlying patterns of thinking and behaviour that perpetuate insomnia, with long-lasting benefits that continue after treatment ends. Sleeping pills can help in the short term but do not address underlying causes and can lead to dependence with long-term use.

Q: When should I see a doctor for insomnia?

See a doctor if insomnia is persistent (lasting more than a few weeks), is significantly affecting daytime function, is associated with other symptoms such as mood changes, or if there are concerns about underlying medical or mental health conditions.

A common condition with difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or waking too early, causing daytime tiredness and reduced function. Manageable with structured care including cognitive behavioural therapy.

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Insomnia (sleeplessness) evaluation and sleep care in Hyderabad

Very Common ACROSS ALL AGES

CBT-I MOST EFFECTIVE THERAPY

Manageable WITH STRUCTURED CARE

ABOUT THIS CONDITION

What is Insomnia

Insomnia is one of the most common sleep complaints, characterised by difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, waking too early, or non-restorative sleep — combined with daytime consequences such as tiredness, reduced concentration, mood changes and impaired performance. Insomnia can be short-term (acute, often triggered by stress, life changes or illness) or chronic (lasting more than 3 months). Contributing factors include stress and anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions, medical conditions causing pain or discomfort, certain medications, caffeine and alcohol, irregular sleep schedules, poor sleep hygiene, ageing, menopause and shift work. Chronic insomnia significantly affects quality of life, work performance, mental and physical health. Diagnosis is clinical and based on detailed history, sleep diary and assessment of contributing factors. Treatment is most effective when combining cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) — now considered the first-line therapy — with sleep hygiene, treatment of contributing conditions, and structured short-term sleep-promoting medical therapy only when needed. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides comprehensive insomnia evaluation and care at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.

SIGNS TO WATCH

Common Symptoms

⚠️

Symptoms that need attention

Difficulty falling asleep Difficulty staying asleep — frequent waking Waking too early and inability to return to sleep Non-restorative sleep despite adequate time in bed Daytime tiredness and reduced energy Difficulty concentrating and memory problems Mood changes and reduced quality of life

WHY IT HAPPENS

Causes & Risk Factors

Stress, anxiety and life changes
Depression and other mental health conditions
Medical conditions causing pain or discomfort
Caffeine, alcohol and certain medications
Irregular sleep schedule and shift work
Poor sleep hygiene practices
Ageing and menopause

CLINICAL DETAILS

KeyFacts

Diagnosis

Clinical evaluation, sleep diary and assessment of contributing factors

Duration

Acute (less than 3 months) · Chronic (3 months or more)

Treatment

Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), sleep hygiene, treatment of contributing conditions

First-line therapy

CBT-I is now considered the gold standard

Sleep aids

Used short-term and judiciously

Hospital

Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad

HOW WE TREAT IT

Treatment Approach

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CBT-I with Sleep Hygiene & Cause Treatment

The most effective approach is cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) — now considered the first-line therapy — combined with structured sleep hygiene, treatment of contributing conditions, and judicious short-term sleep-promoting medical therapy only when needed.

1

Consultation & Assessment

Dr. Pravallika reviews sleep patterns, contributing factors and impact on life, examines the patient and arranges sleep diary and tests for contributing conditions.
2

Treatment Planning

A personalised plan is created with CBT-I principles, sleep hygiene and treatment of any contributing conditions.
3

Medical Management

CBT-I techniques, sleep hygiene, treatment of stress, anxiety, depression or medical conditions, and structured short-term sleep aids only when needed.
4

Recovery & Follow-up

Regular review to assess sleep, refine the plan and address any persistent contributing factors.

AVAILABLE TREATMENTS

Treatment Options

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) (Referral for psychology when needed)

CBT-I — addressing thoughts, behaviours and habits around sleep — is the most effective long-term treatment for chronic insomnia and is considered first-line.

Sleep Hygiene Measures

Regular sleep schedule, comfortable sleep environment, limiting caffeine and alcohol, avoiding screens before bed, regular exercise (but not just before sleep) and other measures support good sleep.

Stimulus Control and Sleep Restriction Techniques

Specific techniques such as using the bed only for sleep, getting out of bed when unable to sleep, and structured sleep restriction help re-establish healthy sleep patterns.

Treatment of Contributing Conditions

Addressing stress, anxiety, depression, pain, medical conditions, medication side effects and other contributors significantly improves sleep.

Short-Term Sleep-Promoting Medical Therapy When Needed

Sleep-promoting medical therapy may be used short-term in acute insomnia or to support transition to behavioural strategies, used judiciously to avoid dependence.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal to wake up at night?+

Why is CBT-I better than sleeping pills?+

When should I see a doctor for insomnia?+

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