Treatment of Insomnia Insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders seen by Psychiatrist in India Dr Shariq Qureshi. It is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early and not being able to go back to sleep. The condition can lead to daytime fatigue, irritability, concentration problems, and a reduced quality of life according to Top Psychiatrist in India. Causes of Insomnia 1. Stress and Anxiety One of the primary contributors to insomnia is stress. Daily stressors, whether related to work, family, or personal issues, can prevent the mind from relaxing, making it difficult to fall asleep. Anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety, and panic disorder, are also closely associated with insomnia. People with anxiety often find their minds racing with intrusive thoughts, preventing restful sleep. 2. Depression Depression and insomnia often occur together. While insomnia can be a symptom of depression, chronic insomnia can also lead to the development of depressive symptoms. Jaipur Psychiatrists find that people with depression may either have difficulty falling asleep or, conversely, sleep excessively but still feel fatigued. 3. Poor Sleep Hygiene Unhealthy sleep habits, such as irregular sleep schedules, excessive caffeine or alcohol intake, and using electronic devices before bed, can also contribute to insomnia. These habits disrupt the body's natural circadian rhythm, leading to difficulties in falling or staying asleep. 4. Medical Conditions Certain medical conditions like chronic pain (due to arthritis or fibromyalgia), respiratory disorders (such as asthma or sleep apnea), and neurological conditions (like Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s) can lead to insomnia. Pain or discomfort makes it hard to relax and fall asleep, while respiratory or neurological conditions may cause frequent nighttime awakenings. 5. Medications Certain medications, especially those used to treat conditions like hypertension, asthma, and infections, may have side effects that interfere with sleep. 6. Shift Work and Jet Lag People who work night shifts or rotating shifts often experience insomnia because their natural sleep-wake cycle, or circadian rhythm, is disrupted. Treatment of Insomnia 1. Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines are sedative-hypnotic medications that enhance the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity. These drugs are effective in the short-term management of insomnia but are generally not recommended by Psychiatrist Jaipur for long-term use due to the risk of dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms. 2. Non-Benzodiazepine Sedatives (Z-drugs) Z-drugs are popular for treating insomnia by best psychiatrists in India due to their similar effects to benzodiazepines but with a lower risk of dependence. They work by binding to the GABA receptors in the brain, helping to reduce sleep onset latency and increase total sleep time. 3. Antidepressants Certain antidepressants with sedative properties are also used by top psychiatrists to treat insomnia, especially when it coexists with depression or anxiety. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like Amitriptyline (Tryptomer) and Doxepin (Depin) are commonly prescribed. Mirtazapine (Mirtaz), an atypical antidepressant, is also used by sycetric doctor for treating insomnia in patients with depressive symptoms. 4. Melatonin Receptor Agonists Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin receptor agonists, such as Ramelteon (not widely available in India), mimic the action of melatonin and are effective for insomnia related to circadian rhythm disruptions, such as shift work or treatment of jet lag by psychology doctors. 5. Orexin Receptor Antagonists Orexin receptor antagonists like Lemborexant are a newer class of drugs used to treat insomnia by blocking the action of orexin, a neurotransmitter that promotes wakefulness. Suvorexant is the first approved orexin receptor antagonist in India. This class of drugs is useful for people who have trouble staying asleep rather than falling asleep. 6. Antihistamines Over-the-counter antihistamines, such as Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and Hydroxyzine (Atarax), are sometimes used by Top 5 psychiatrists in India for their sedative effects to manage insomnia. However they are not recommended by neuropsychiatrists for long-term use due to the risk of tolerance. 7. Antipsychotics In cases where insomnia is particularly severe and associated with psychiatric conditions like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, antipsychotic medications may be used. Quetiapine (Seroquel) and Olanzapine (Oliza) are sometimes prescribed for their sedative properties. Consulting the best depression doctor or top psychiatrist is crucial. A depression doctor in Jaipur or a best psychologist doctor like Dr Shariq can guide you.