Introduction
Do you lie in bed for hours, waiting to fall asleep? Or do you wake up too early and find it hard to sleep again? If yes, you are not alone. Many people in Pune and across India suffer from insomnia—the trouble of falling or staying asleep.
At Livwell Happier Minds Mental Health Centre and Day Care, we often hear this simple but painful question: “Why can’t I sleep?” In this article, I, Dr. Pratibha Bezwada, will explain the common causes of insomnia and how you can take the first steps toward better sleep.
What Is Insomnia?
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that makes it hard to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake up feeling rested. It can be short-term (for a few days or weeks) or long-term (lasting months or even years).
Even one sleepless night can make you feel tired, irritable, and unfocused the next day. Imagine what weeks of poor sleep can do to your mind and body.
Common Causes of Insomnia
Here are the most frequent reasons people face insomnia:
1. Stress and Worry
Stress is one of the biggest causes of poor sleep. Worrying about work, family problems, health issues, or finances can keep your mind active at night.
Even students face this problem during exams or deadlines. If your brain is busy thinking too much, it becomes difficult to relax and sleep.
2. Anxiety and Depression
Mental health conditions like anxiety and depression often disturb sleep. In anxiety, your mind is restless and full of fear. In depression, people may sleep too much or too little.
In both cases, you may find yourself waking up in the middle of the night or getting poor-quality sleep. If these symptoms sound familiar, it may be time to seek professional insomnia treatment in Pune.
3. Poor Sleep Habits
Sometimes, our own habits affect sleep without us realising:
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Using mobile phones or screens before bed
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Drinking tea, coffee, or energy drinks late in the evening
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Sleeping at different times every day
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Taking long naps during the day
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Working or eating in bed
These habits confuse your brain and disturb your natural sleep cycle.
4. Medical Conditions
Several physical health issues can also disturb your sleep:
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Chronic pain (like back pain, arthritis)
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Asthma or breathing problems
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Hyperthyroidism
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Frequent urination at night
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Menopause in women
Treating the underlying medical condition can improve your sleep naturally.
5. Medications and Substances
Some medicines for high blood pressure, cold, asthma, or depression can interfere with sleep. Also, consuming alcohol, smoking, or using sleeping pills for a long time can disturb your body’s sleep rhythm.
Always consult a doctor before taking any medication for sleep. Self-treatment often makes the problem worse.
6. Shift Work and Jet Lag
If your job requires night shifts or changing schedules, your body clock may get confused. Similarly, travelling across time zones can disturb your sleep pattern.
This is known as circadian rhythm disorder, and it’s a common cause of insomnia among working professionals in Pune’s IT and business sectors.
7. Overthinking and Racing Thoughts
Sometimes, even if there is no big problem, your mind just won’t shut down. You keep thinking about what happened during the day or what will happen tomorrow. This constant thinking stops you from relaxing and sleeping.
This is called cognitive hyperarousal and is a key reason many people ask, “Why can’t I sleep?”
When Should You Seek Help?
You should see a mental health expert if:
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You can’t fall asleep at least 3 nights a week for more than 2–3 weeks
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You wake up feeling tired and moody every day
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Your work, studies, or relationships are affected by poor sleep
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You are using sleeping pills too often
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You feel anxious, depressed, or restless at night
Early treatment gives better results and helps you avoid more serious health issues.
How I Help with Insomnia at My Clinic
At Livwell Happier Minds Mental Health Centre, I provide holistic insomnia treatment in Pune through:
✅ Detailed sleep assessment
✅ Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
✅ Relaxation and mindfulness techniques
✅ Sleep hygiene counselling
✅ Safe medications only if needed
✅ Stress and anxiety management
Each person is different, so I prepare a personalised sleep recovery plan based on your lifestyle and mental health condition.
Final Words
If you’ve been wondering, “Why can’t I sleep?”, please know that there is hope and help. Sleep is not a luxury—it is a need for your mind and body to stay healthy. Don’t wait until poor sleep starts affecting every part of your life.
As a psychiatrist with over 19 years of experience, I, Dr. Pratibha Bezwada, am here to support your journey to peaceful, natural sleep. You deserve rest. You deserve health.