Insomnia disorder
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Barkha ChikaraChief Medical Officer, MD (Psychiatry) from NIMHANS · Last reviewed October 2026Insomnia disorder means trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or waking too early, three nights a week or more for three months or longer, with tiredness and poor concentration by day. The first-line treatment is cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). A psychiatrist can also check for anxiety or depression behind it.
About 1 in 10 adults in India lives with a mental disorder (National Mental Health Survey, 2015-16). You are not alone.
At a glance
Common signs
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Waking in the night
- Early morning waking
- Unrefreshing sleep
How it is usually treated
- CBT for Insomnia
- Sleep hygiene education
- Stimulus control therapy
- Sleep restriction therapy
Where to start
A free pre-consultation call, then a video assessment with a psychiatrist. In danger? Call 112, or Tele-MANAS on 14416.
Book your free pre-consultation callRegistered clinicians: psychiatrists with their State Medical Council, psychologists with the Rehabilitation Council of India.
Signs
Tick any that feel familiar. This is not a diagnosis, only a clinician can assess you.
0 ticked. If these have been with you for a while, a free pre-consultation call is a good next step.
Book your free pre-consultation callHow people often describe it
- “I cannot fall asleep at night”
- “I wake up at 3 am and cannot sleep again”
- “I lie awake worrying”
- “I feel exhausted but my sleep is poor”
People who live with insomnia disorder may also notice depression, generalised anxiety or bipolar disorder. If any of these sound familiar, mention them to your clinician so your plan can cover them.
When to get help soon
Seek help soon if poor sleep comes with low mood, panic or thoughts of harming yourself. Call Tele-MANAS on 14416 or 112.
How it is diagnosed
A psychiatrist asks about your sleep pattern, caffeine, alcohol, screens, shift work and mood, and checks for anxiety, depression, sleep apnoea and pain.
Treatment and support
- CBT-I (stimulus control, sleep restriction, relaxation, sleep education) is first-line, and its benefits last after treatment ends
- Regular sleep and wake times, and a wind-down routine
- Care for anxiety or low mood if they are driving the sleeplessness
How Mindly helps
Your first video consultation is with a psychiatrist, who looks at your sleep and what sits behind it. All care is online, by video.
Your first appointment
A psychiatrist asks about your sleep pattern, routines, mood, stress, medicines, caffeine and screen use, and looks for other conditions behind poor sleep.
Who is involved
Your psychiatrist can guide sleep routines and treat related conditions, and may suggest CBT for sleep problems.
Between sessions
A simple sleep diary helps reviews show what is working.
What to expect
- Free pre-consultation callWe take your history and details, and match you with the right clinician.
- First consultationA video call in your language, with a clinician who already has your report.
- Your planYour clinician agrees a plan with you: therapy, medicine or both, as suits you.
- Follow-up reviewsRegular check-ins, and your plan is adjusted as you recover.
- Staying wellSupport to keep you well and catch early signs of a setback.
Every Mindly plan includes a second opinion from our Chief Medical Officer, a diagnosis-first approach and regular tracking of your recovery. How Mindly care works
Book your free pre-consultation callYour privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.
Common questions
Is CBT-I better than just waiting it out?
Insomnia that lasts months rarely clears by itself. CBT-I targets the habits and worries that keep it going, and its benefits last after treatment ends.
When should I see a doctor about sleep?
If poor sleep has lasted several weeks, affects your day, or comes with low mood or anxiety.
If you or someone near you is in danger, call 112. For free support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS on 14416. Mindly Health is not an emergency service.
Clinicians with a focus in this area
Dr. Vineet PaliFounder & COO, Psychiatrist
Dr. Nevedita DasPsychiatrist - Telepsychiatry & Evidence-Based Care
Dr. Samarth S ShettyPsychiatrist
Online care in your city
Every consultation is by video, from wherever you are. Choose your city to see how it works.
Sources
Related conditions
- Hypersomnia (Excessive Daytime Sleepiness)
- Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Depression (Major Depressive Disorder)