Insomnia Therapy & Treatment

insomnia

What is Insomnia?

Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early and struggling to return to sleep. It is one of the most common sleep problems, affecting millions worldwide. People with insomnia sleep disorder often experience low energy, irritability, anxiety, and poor concentration due to inadequate rest.

At Neuropsychology Center Karachi Pakistan, we specialize in diagnosing and treating insomnia and other sleep disorders, helping patients regain healthy sleep patterns.

Common Symptoms of Insomnia

The symptoms of insomnia sleep disorder can vary from person to person, but some of the most common include:

  • Difficulty falling asleep despite being tired
  • Waking up frequently at night and struggling to fall back asleep
  • Early morning awakening before the desired wake-up time
  • Daytime sleepiness and lack of focus
  • Low energy levels and constant fatigue
  • Irritability, mood swings, and increased stress
  • Anxiety sleep problems and persistent worrying about sleep

If you experience these sleep disorders symptoms, it’s essential to seek professional help to prevent long-term health complications.

Book an Appointment

Struggling with insomnia? Book an appointment today and take the first step toward restful sleep!

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Types of Insomnia and Their Differences

Insomnia is classified into different types based on its cause and duration:

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Acute Insomnia

Short-term sleep disorder caused by stress, travel, lifestyle changes, hormonal shifts, or
illness.
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Chronic Insomnia

Long-term insomnia sleep disorder lasting over a month, often linked to anxiety, depression, or medical conditions.
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Onset Insomnia

Difficulty falling asleep due to delayed sleep phase disorder, excessive stress, or anxiety-related factors.
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Maintenance Insomnia

Waking up frequently at night due to sleep state misperception or underlying health issues.
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what is insomnia

How Prevalent is Insomnia?

Insomnia is a widespread sleep disorder that affects a significant portion of the population:

  • 10% to 30% of adults experience insomnia at any given time.
  • 50% of individuals suffer from insomnia within a year.
  • 6% of people develop chronic insomnia, lasting more than a month.

At Neuropsychology Center Karachi Pakistan, we understand the impact of insomnia and other sleep disorders on daily life. Our expert team offers personalized treatments to help you restore healthy sleep patterns.

Struggling with Insomnia? We Can Help!

If you’re dealing with sleep problems and need effective solutions, contact us today. Our specialized insomnia treatment plans are designed to help you sleep better and improve your overall well-being.

How Insomnia Affects Your Day-to-Day Functioning

Insomnia is more than just difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep—it significantly impacts your daily life. People with insomnia sleep disorder often struggle with:

  • Daytime sleepiness and low energy, making it difficult to complete daily tasks.
  • Poor concentration and cognitive impairment, leading to memory issues and reduced focus.
  • Mood disturbances, such as irritability, anxiety, and stress.
  • Fatigue and exhaustion, affecting work performance and social interactions.

For those experiencing persistent difficulty sleeping for more than a month, the effects can be even more severe, impacting both personal and professional life.

Consequences of Chronic Insomnia

When insomnia symptoms persist over time, they can lead to serious long-term health issues. Chronic insomnia is often linked to:

Cognitive decline

Memory loss, confusion, and difficulty processing information.

Cardiovascular problems

An increased metabolic rate both day and night, raising the risk of heart disease.

Mental health disorders

Anxiety sleep problems and depression often worsen with prolonged sleep problems.

Weakened immune system

Poor sleep quality makes the body more susceptible to infections.

Higher risk of substance abuse

Many people turn to stimulants, opioids, or benzodiazepines to cope with sleep loss.

Individuals with a genetic predisposition (38%-59% heritability) are at a higher risk of developing fatal familial insomnia, a rare and severe sleep disorder that progressively worsens over time.

How Sleep Issues Can Affect Your Health Over Time

Ongoing sleep disorders symptoms do not just impact mental and emotional well-being; they also take a toll on physical health. Some long-term effects of insomnia and other sleep disorders include:

  • Disruptions in brain activity – Increased beta wave activity and decreased delta wave activity reduce deep sleep quality.
  • Sleep apnea and breathing issues – Many individuals with insomnia sleep disorder may also develop sleep apnea due to underlying sleep apnea causes.
  • Hormonal imbalancesAltered GABA levels can make it harder for the brain to regulate sleep.
  • Circadian rhythm disturbances – Common among shift workers, travelers, and those living in urban environments.
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Need Help with Your Sleep Problems?

At Neuropsychology Center Karachi Pakistan, we offer expert care and evidence-based treatments for insomnia and sleep disorders. If you’re struggling with sleeping problems solutions, don’t wait—contact us today and take the first step toward better sleep.

sleeping tablets in Pakistan

How Do Doctors Diagnose Insomnia?

Diagnosing insomnia requires a thorough evaluation of a patient’s sleep history, symptoms, and lifestyle factors. Healthcare providers typically begin by asking screening questions, such as:

  • “Do you experience difficulty sleeping?”
  • “How often do you wake up during the night?”
  • “Do you feel tired or unrefreshed during the day?”

Based on these responses, doctors assess whether a patient meets the DSM-5 criteria for insomnia disorder, which includes persistent difficulty falling or staying asleep, early morning awakenings, and daytime impairments lasting at least three nights per week for three months.

Tests and Evaluations for Sleep Disorders

To rule out other causes of sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea or circadian rhythm disturbances, doctors may recommend additional tests:

1. Sleep Diary & Sleep History Evaluation

Patients may be asked to maintain a sleep diary for one to two weeks. This helps track:

  • Bedtime and wake-up time
  • Number of awakenings during the night
  • Daytime energy levels and napping habits

2. Polysomnography (Sleep Study)

A polysomnography is an overnight sleep study performed in a sleep lab. It measures:

  • Brain activity
  • Heart rate and oxygen levels
  • Breathing patterns (to detect sleep apnea)
  • Muscle movements during sleep

3. Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)

The MSLT assesses daytime sleepiness by measuring how quickly a person falls asleep in a quiet environment. It is commonly used to evaluate sleep disorders symptoms and excessive daytime sleepiness.

4. Outpatient Actigraphy

This wearable sleep tracking device monitors sleep patterns over multiple days, helping detect abnormalities in circadian rhythms and movement-related sleep issues.

5. Athens Insomnia Scale & Ford Insomnia Response to Stress Test

  • The Athens Insomnia Scale is a questionnaire used to quantify insomnia severity based on patient responses.
  • The Ford Insomnia Response to Stress Test evaluates how a person’s stress levels impact their sleep.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you are struggling with insomnia, sleep disorders, or unexplained sleep problems, seeking professional evaluation is crucial. At Neuropsychology Center Karachi Pakistan, we offer comprehensive sleep assessments, including insomnia diagnosis, sleep apnea tests, and personalized treatment plans.

 Contact us today to schedule a consultation and improve your sleep health!

Medications for Insomnia: What Works?

In some cases, medications are prescribed to help with sleep onset and maintenance. The best medication for insomnia varies based on the individual’s sleep pattern, health condition, and medical history.

1. Prescription Sleep Aids

Doctors may prescribe the following:

  • Benzodiazepines (Temazepam, Alprazolam, Diazepam) – Effective but can cause dependency if used long-term.
  • Non-Benzodiazepines (Z-Drugs) (Zolpidem, Zaleplon, Zopiclone) – These help induce sleep with fewer side effects than benzodiazepines.
  • Orexin Receptor Antagonists (Suvorexant, Lemborexant) – Blocks wakefulness signals to promote better sleep.
  • Antidepressants (Amitriptyline, Doxepin, Trazodone) – Sometimes prescribed when insomnia is linked to anxiety or depression.
  • Gabapentinoids (Gabapentin, Pregabalin) – Useful for insomnia associated with chronic pain or anxiety sleep problems.

2. Over-the-Counter & Herbal Remedies

  • Melatonin – Helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle, particularly for jet lag or shift work.
  • Herbal Supplements (Valerian, Kava, Chamomile) – Natural remedies that may promote relaxation and reduce sleep problems.
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Available Treatments for Insomnia: Is There a Cure?

While there is no single cure for insomnia, several effective treatment options can help restore healthy sleep patterns. The best approach depends on the underlying cause of insomnia sleep disorder and individual patient needs. Behavioral therapies, medications, and alternative treatments can significantly improve sleep quality and duration.

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)

CBT-I is the gold standard treatment for chronic insomnia and is more effective than medication in the long run. This therapy includes:

  • Behavioral Sleep Medicine – Helps develop better sleep habits and routines.
  • Stimulus Control Therapy – Encourages a strong association between the bed and sleep by limiting activities like watching TV or using a phone in bed.
  • Sleep Restriction Therapy – Reduces the time spent in bed to strengthen the body’s natural sleep drive.
  • Relaxation Therapy & Biofeedback – Uses techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and EEG biofeedback to lower stress and anxiety that contribute to insomnia.

2. Insomnia Light Therapy

For individuals with circadian rhythm disorders, insomnia light therapy helps regulate sleep cycles by exposing them to bright light at specific times of the day. This is particularly beneficial for people suffering from delayed sleep phase disorder.

3. Sleeping Tablets in Pakistan

  • Many individuals seek sleeping tablets in Pakistan to manage insomnia. While some over-the-counter options exist, it’s important to consult a doctor before taking any medication to avoid dependency and side effects.

Long-Term Outlook and Expectations for Insomnia

The long-term outlook for insomnia depends on its cause and the effectiveness of treatment. Individuals who adopt healthy sleep habits, follow CBT-I techniques, and seek proper treatment often see significant improvement.

📞 If you’re struggling with insomnia, the Neuropsychology Center Karachi Pakistan offers expert diagnosis and treatment plans to help you achieve restful sleep. Contact us today to start your journey toward better sleep!

How to Manage Insomnia Through Self-Care?

While professional treatments like insomnia therapy and insomnia light therapy are highly effective, managing sleep problems at home with self-care techniques can also bring significant improvement. Making lifestyle adjustments and following a healthy sleep routine can help regulate your sleep cycle and improve overall well-being.

Effective Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes

1. Maintain a Consistent Sleep Schedule

Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends, strengthens your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. This helps reduce sleeping problems and improves sleep quality over time.

2. Avoid Caffeine, Nicotine, and Alcohol

  • Caffeine and nicotine act as stimulants, making it difficult to fall asleep. Avoid them at least 6 hours before bedtime.
  • Alcohol may make you feel drowsy, but it disrupts sleep cycles and reduces sleep quality.

3. Exercise During the Day

Regular daytime exercise can help you fall asleep faster and improve sleep depth. However, avoid intense workouts close to bedtime, as they may have the opposite effect.

4. Exposure to Morning Sunlight

Getting natural sunlight exposure in the morning helps regulate melatonin production, making it easier to fall asleep at night. This is particularly effective for those with delayed sleep phase disorder.

5. Create a Dark, Quiet, and Comfortable Sleep Environment

  • Keep your bedroom dark and quiet to minimize disturbances.
  • Use blackout curtains, white noise machines, or earplugs if necessary.
  • Keep the room temperature cool for better sleep comfort.

6. Avoid Blue Light Exposure Before Bedtime

  • The blue light from screens (phones, tablets, TVs) suppresses melatonin and disrupts sleep.
  • Reduce screen time at least one hour before bedtime or use blue light filters.

7. Practice Relaxation Techniques

Incorporating relaxation techniques into your bedtime routine can significantly reduce stress and anxiety, which are common triggers for insomnia. Try:

  • Deep breathing exercises
  • Progressive muscle relaxation
  • Meditation or mindfulness techniques
Insomnia in Older Adults: What You Should Know

Insomnia in older adults is a common concern at our center. Many seniors face sleep disorders due to factors such as chronic conditions (like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia), and increased sensitivity to medication side effects can lead to a higher risk of falls and fractures from sedatives. Post-menopausal women, in particular, often experience insomnia causes linked to hormonal changes. At Neuropsychology Center Karachi Pakistan, our tailored treatments address these issues while considering the unique sleep challenges of the elderly, including obstructive sleep apnea and other breathing problem during sleep conditions.

Insomnia in Children and Teens: Special Considerations

Sleep disorders in younger individuals are often driven by poor sleep hygiene and irregular sleep schedules. At our center, we recognize that common insomnia causes in children and teens can be exacerbated by excessive screen time, video game addiction, and conditions like ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder. We offer specialized interventions to manage anxiety sleep problems and help establish consistent, healthy sleep patterns for our younger patients.

How Insomnia Changes with Age?

Insomnia evolves throughout life. In children and adolescents, lifestyle factors and environmental influences often lead to sleep disturbances. However, as you age, the causes of sleep disorders may shift toward chronic health conditions and medication side effects. Our team at Neuropsychology Center Karachi Pakistan is adept at identifying these transitions—from early onset insomnia to the complex interplay of neurodegenerative issues in older adults—ensuring that every stage of life receives the right approach to treatment.

Using Insomnia Therapy and Light Therapy at Home

Insomnia therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), can be practiced at home with guidance from sleep experts.Insomnia light therapy can be beneficial for individuals struggling with circadian rhythm disorders or seasonal sleep disturbances.If you continue to experience chronic insomnia, the experts at Neuropsychology Center Karachi Pakistan can provide customized solutions to help you sleep better. Contact us today!

What Causes Insomnia?

Understanding the root insomnia causes is the first step toward effective treatment. Our experts consider a range of factors, including:

  • Psychological and Emotional Stress: Bereavement, work problems, and financial stress are key contributors.
  • Poor Sleep Hygiene: Inconsistent bedtime routines and an unsuitable sleep environment often lead to sleep disorders symptoms.
  • Health-Related Issues: Chronic pain (e.g., lower back pain), hormonal changes (such as menopause), and psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety, PTSD, or schizophrenia can trigger insomnia.
  • Substance Use: Caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and psychoactive drugs may also play a significant role.
  • Breathing Problems: Conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea and other breathing problem during sleep scenarios further complicate sleep quality.

Risk Factors That Increase Your Chances of Insomnia

Several risk factors heighten the likelihood of developing insomnia:

  • Medical Conditions: Neurological disorders (e.g., brain lesions, traumatic brain injury) and chronic conditions related to neurodegenerative diseases (like Alzheimer’s and dementia) are significant.
  • Lifestyle and Environmental Influences: Shift work, circadian rhythm disturbances, and urban environments can all contribute to insomnia causes.
  • Genetic Predisposition: With heritability estimates between 38%-59%, your genetic makeup may also increase your risk.
  • Substance Abuse: Misuse of opioids, stimulants, or benzodiazepines further complicates the picture.
  • Demographic Factors: More common in post-menopausal women and the elderly, who are particularly vulnerable due to medication side effects.

The Role of Aging in Insomnia

Aging plays a crucial role in how insomnia manifests:

  • Physiological Changes: Older adults are prone to sleep disorders due to natural changes in circadian rhythms and the cumulative effects of chronic health issues.
  • Medication Sensitivity: Increased risk in elderly patients due to medication side effects necessitates careful treatment planning.
  • Breathing and Neurological Concerns: The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea and related breathing problem during sleep conditions increases with age, often compounded by neurodegenerative diseases.
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Can Insomnia Be Prevented?

Prevention starts with proactive lifestyle adjustments. At Neuropsychology Center Karachi Pakistan, we empower you with proven sleeping problems solutions:

  • Good Sleep Hygiene: Maintain a consistent bedtime in a quiet environment.
  • Stress Management: Learn techniques to manage both psychological and emotional stress.
  • Limiting Screen Exposure: Reducing screen time before bed sets the stage for natural sleep.

Our integrated approach helps prevent insomnia from escalating and safeguards against complications such as an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and cognitive impairments.

Coping Strategies and Lifestyle Adjustments

Our comprehensive insomnia therapy includes:

  • Structured Sleep Routines: Establishing regular sleep schedules can significantly improve sleep quality.
  • Dietary and Behavioral Adjustments: Avoiding excessive caffeine and alcohol while managing anxiety and stress.
  • Insomnia Light Therapy: For some patients, carefully administered insomnia light therapy helps reset circadian rhythms.
  • Holistic Approaches: Addressing issues like rem sleep behavior disorder and underlying sleep apnea causes through combined behavioral and medical interventions.

Managing Complications from Insomnia

Chronic insomnia can lead to severe complications, including worsening of psychiatric disorders (such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD), an increased risk of motor vehicle accidents, and cognitive impairments (affecting memory and focus). Our experts develop personalized treatment plans to manage these risks while ensuring a safe and effective recovery process. Regular follow-up and comprehensive care at our center help mitigate long-term consequences and restore a healthy sleep cycle.

Signs It's Time to See a Doctor

If you’re experiencing persistent insomnia symptoms that last for more than a month or if sleep disorders symptoms like daytime sleepiness interfere with your daily life, it’s time to consult our experts. Other signs include:

  • Persistent Sleep Issues: Insomnia that continues beyond a month.
  • Daily Impairment: Daytime sleepiness affecting work, social, or family life.
  • Mood Disturbances: The presence of depression or anxiety alongside your sleep issues.

At Neuropsychology Center Karachi Pakistan, we are committed to helping you overcome these challenges. Our diagnostic expertise and advanced treatment options ensure that every patient receives the best care possible for insomnia and related sleep disord

sleep apnea treatment

Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep

Don’t let insomnia control your life. Contact Neuropsychology Center Karachi Pakistan today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our customized treatment plans. Our team is ready to help you reclaim restful nights and a healthier, more vibrant life.

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FAQ

Frequently Ask Questions


Insomnia is a common sleep disorder—often referred to as an insomnia sleep disorder—that involves difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or obtaining restorative sleep. At Neuropsychology Center Karachi Pakistan, we diagnose and treat insomnia using advanced methods designed to help you regain a healthy sleep pattern.


The primary insomnia symptoms include difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, and early morning awakenings. These sleep disorders symptoms can lead to daytime fatigue, irritability, and reduced concentration. Our expert team is dedicated to identifying and managing these symptoms to improve your overall quality of life.


Insomnia causes vary and may include factors such as psychological stress, poor sleep hygiene, and anxiety sleep problems. Other causes of sleep disorders include hormonal changes, environmental stressors, and lifestyle factors. At Neuropsychology Center Karachi Pakistan, we perform comprehensive evaluations to pinpoint the underlying reasons for your sleep issues and develop tailored treatment plans.


Effective treatment for insomnia often involves a combination of insomnia therapy techniques and sleeping problems solutions. Our approach may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), lifestyle adjustments, and, when necessary, the use of the best medication for insomnia. We are committed to helping you achieve lasting improvements in your sleep quality and overall health.


Yes, sleep apnea—particularly obstructive sleep apnea—can be closely related to insomnia. Sleep apnea symptoms, such as repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, can contribute to sleep disturbances and worsen insomnia. We offer comprehensive sleep apnea tests to evaluate any breathing problem during sleep, ensuring that both conditions are properly diagnosed and treated.