Key points
- Adults need 7–9 hours
- Fixed wake-up time helps most
- Screens and caffeine late disturb sleep
- Loud snoring with pauses needs checking
What it is
Insomnia means regular difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early — and feeling unrefreshed in the day. Most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep.
Short spells are common during stress or illness. When it continues for weeks, it affects mood, concentration, work and health.
Common signs
- Taking more than 30 minutes to fall asleep
- Waking often at night or very early
- Feeling tired, irritable or foggy in the day
- Worrying about sleep at bedtime
- Napping to make up for lost sleep
Common causes
- Stress, worry and a busy mind
- Phones and screens late at night
- Tea, coffee or cola after the afternoon
- Irregular sleep and wake times, shift work
- Pain, acidity, frequent urination or breathing problems
- Heavy late dinners
Everyday care that helps
- Wake up at the same time every day, even after a bad night
- Stop screens 30–60 minutes before bed
- No tea or coffee after 3 PM
- Keep the bedroom dark, quiet and cool
- Get morning daylight and some daily exercise
- If you can't sleep in 20 minutes, get up and do something calm, then return
When to see a doctor promptly
- Loud snoring with pauses in breathing or gasping (possible sleep apnoea)
- Falling asleep while driving or at work
- Low mood, hopelessness or anxiety along with poor sleep
- Sleep problems after starting a new medicine
How we approach it at Gursagar
We look at your sleep pattern, routine, stress, mood, digestion, pain and medicines, and screen for conditions like sleep apnoea.
Dr. Shah prescribes classical homoeopathic medicine chosen for you individually, together with practical sleep-routine advice, reviewed at follow-ups.
Common questions
Is a daytime nap OK?
A short nap under 20–30 minutes before 3 PM is fine for most people.
Will a warm drink help?
A warm, caffeine-free drink like milk can be part of a calming routine.
Can I consult online?
Yes — a one-week sleep diary helps a lot.
Practising classical homoeopathy since 1999 · Gursagar Homoeopathic Hospital, Rajpura & Chandigarh · Full profile →
Would you like Dr. Shah to look at your case?
Consult in person at Rajpura or Chandigarh, or online from anywhere in India and abroad.
This article is for general health education and is not a substitute for a medical consultation. Every person is assessed individually, and results differ from person to person. Please do not stop or change any medicine prescribed to you without speaking to your doctor. Dr. Randeep Singh Shah, D.H.M.S., AFHom (UK) · Reg. No. 2423-A.