Occasional sleep troubles are normal, but when they become frequent, they can take a serious toll on your health, productivity, and quality of life. Insomnia is not just about difficulty falling asleep; it’s about prolonged and persistent sleep disruption that interferes with your ability to function. At Dr. Mitali Soni Loya’s Psychiatry & De-addiction Clinic in Bhopal, we specialize in identifying the root causes of insomnia and delivering evidence-based treatments tailored to each individual.
What is Insomnia?
Insomnia is a clinical sleep disorder defined by dissatisfaction with sleep quantity or quality. People with insomnia either struggle to fall asleep, wake up frequently during the night, or wake too early and cannot return to sleep. This cycle of disturbed sleep occurs at least three times per week and leads to distress or daytime impairment.
Key Symptoms of Insomnia
Identifying insomnia early can help prevent it from becoming chronic. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep
- Non-restorative or poor-quality sleep
- Daytime fatigue or drowsiness
- Impaired concentration, focus, or memory
- Increased irritability or emotional instability
- Decreased motivation and work efficiency
- Increased risk of mistakes or accidents
How Insomnia Affects Mental and Physical Health
Sleep is essential for brain function, emotional stability, and physical recovery. A lack of restful sleep disrupts critical processes such as:
- Cognitive clarity and decision-making
- Emotional regulation and mood stability
- Immune system recovery and physical healing
- Energy metabolism and hormonal balance
Left untreated, chronic insomnia can worsen existing mental health conditions or trigger new ones, including anxiety, depression, and even substance use.
Common Causes of Insomnia
While sometimes there’s no single identifiable cause, common contributing factors include:
- Changes in daily routine or shift work
- Underlying medical conditions (e.g., respiratory issues)
- Emotional stress and anxiety
- Lifestyle choices that affect circadian rhythm
- Mental health disorders like depression or PTSD
- Use of stimulants or alcohol
The Role of the Sleep-Wake Cycle
Our sleep is governed by the circadian rhythm, a natural 24-hour cycle regulated by internal biological processes and external cues like light exposure. Disruptions to this rhythm, such as excessive screen time, late-night work, or erratic sleep schedules, can confuse the brain’s release of melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep onset.
Treatment Approach: Restoring Natural Sleep
At our clinic, we take a holistic and multi-layered approach to help patients regain natural, restful sleep. Treatment is based on three pillars:
1. Sleep Hygiene Training
Establishing healthy sleep routines is essential. We coach patients on structured habits that reinforce the body’s natural sleep-wake rhythm.
Effective Practices:
- Go to bed and wake up at the same time daily
- Engage in regular physical activity, but avoid late-night workouts
- Eat light at night and avoid caffeine in the afternoon
- Set aside time to wind down before bed
- Keep your bedroom quiet, dark, and cool
Habits to Avoid:
- Napping during the day
- Watching TV or scrolling on your phone in bed
- Consuming alcohol as a sleep aid
- Watching the clock repeatedly
- Smoking or eating in bed
2. Stimulus Control Therapy
This method helps your brain reconnect your bed with sleep, not wakefulness or anxiety.
Key guidelines include:
- Use the bed only for sleep, not for work, eating, or watching TV
- If you can’t fall asleep within 20 minutes, leave the bed and do a calming activity
- Avoid bright lights at night, including phone screens
- Train your mind to associate the bedroom with rest and relaxation
3. Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is a gold-standard, drug-free approach that helps patients identify and correct negative thought patterns related to sleep.
| Faulty Thought | Correction |
| I should sleep like everyone else. | Many people struggle with sleep; it takes practice. |
| It’s the same misery every night. | Some nights are better—sleep can improve. |
| If I don’t sleep, I’ll fail tomorrow. | One bad night won’t ruin my day—I can still cope. |
| I’ll never sleep well again. | Insomnia is treatable; I have options. |
| It’ll take me hours to fall asleep. | I don’t know that. I’ll use calming strategies. |
We also incorporate relaxation training, including breathing exercises, guided meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation.
4. Medication (If needed)
For patients with severe or persistent insomnia, short-term medication may be used to help regulate the sleep cycle. Medications are prescribed only when necessary, and always with close monitoring and support for tapering off as natural sleep patterns return.
Why Choose Dr. Mitali Soni Loya?
Dr. Mitali Soni Loya is one of Bhopal’s most trusted psychiatrists, known for her compassionate approach and clinical expertise. She specializes in treating insomnia by addressing both biological and psychological contributors. With a focus on lasting recovery, she provides:
- Personalized therapy plans
- Evidence-based treatments
- Ongoing support and monitoring
- Confidential and judgment-free care
Get Help Today
If you’re tired of being tired, it’s time to act. Reach out to Dr. Mitali Soni Loya’s clinic and start your journey toward healthier sleep and a healthier life.
Clinic Address:
10, Ramanand Nagar, Near Lalghati Square, Bhopal, M.P. – 462023
Phone: +91 88174 75079
Email: drmitalisoniloya@gmail.com
Website: www.mentalhealthbhopal.com