The modern way of living contributes immensely to the spread of this disease ,. The most common cause is mental tension brought about by anxiety, worries, overwork and over-excitement. Suppressed feelings of resentment, anger and bitterness may also cause insomnia. Indigestion, constipation, dyspepsia, overeating at night, excessive intake of caffeine or other stimulants (Tea, Coffee, Coke, Pepsi, Cold/Flu medicines etc.), hunger, smoking are some other contributing factors. Worrying about falling asleep is worse than not falling asleep. The necessity of business people and professionals to travel a lot for work also can result in insomnia: jet lag, constant changing of beds, weather changes, late business meetings, late dinners are some examples which lead to this situation. The 24-hour TV and Internet has also lately been a contributor. Lack of physical fatigue, uncomfortable temperature in the bedroom (too hot or cold), tight clothing may make matters worse.

Symptoms:
Changes in duration and quality of sleep, persistent changes in sleep patterns, lapses of memory, lack of concentration during the day, emotional instability, loss of co-ordination and confusion.

Remedies:
Change your habits:
• Have an early dinner. Have light, low-salt and easily digestible food at dinnertime. Do not take large quantities of liquids before or after the meal. Try and exclude white flour products, sugar, tea, coffee, chocolate, Coke, Pepsi, alcohol, fatty and fried foods.
• Take a short walk after dinner or perform some light exercises.
• Take a hot-water bath before going to bed.
• Remove the stress-creating factor from your life. . Set realistic targets for yourself at work and in your personal life. Cultivate the art of doing things slowly.

Yoga can help, too:
• Perform the following asanas: shirshasana, sarvangasana, paschimottanasana, uttanasana, viparit karni and shavasana.
Magnet-therapy and accu-pressure has also been proven to treat this condition.

Meditation is the best:
• Regular practice of any relaxation method or meditation technique is very helpful.

Try listening to peaceful, soulful music:
• Listen to some peaceful classical music.

Simple home-remedy is:
• Take a hot glass of milk with a little bit of nutmeg. Nutmeg is a natural relaxant.

Other remedies:
• Take foods with Thiamine or Vitamin B. Common foods with this vitamin are wholegrain cereals, pulses and nuts.
• Take lettuce since it contains a sleep-inducing ingredient called lectucarium. Take the juice of the plant or eat lettuce-seeds. One tablespoon of seeds should be boiled in half a litre of water till it is reduced by one-third.
• Milk sweetened with honey is also very useful. Milk acts as a tonic and tranquilliser. Massaging the milk over the soles of the feet has also been found to be effective.
• Take plenty of curd or massage curd on your head to induce sleep.
• The mixture of bottle-gourd , juice and sesame oil in a 50:50 ratio acts as an effective medicine too. Massage this over your scalp every night.
• A tea made from Aniseed has also proven to be effective. Take about 375 ml of water and add a teaspoon of aniseed. Cover the vessel and allow it to simmer for fifteen minutes. Strain the liquid and drink it hot or warm. The tea may be sweetened with honey, and hot milk can be added.
• Honey is very beneficial too. Mix two teaspoons of honey in a large cup of water and drink it before going to bed.
• The herb rauwolfia , is a good sedative too. The powder of the root in a quantity of 0.25 gms to 0.5 gms should be mixed with some scented substance like cardamom. If the disease is chronic, then take 0.25 gms twice a day.

Do not take sleeping tablets:
This will be the worst-case treatment for insomnia. Our heritage has given us so many natural remedies described above, that it would be a shame if you have to resort to medicines. These medicines create even worse side effects. Also, worrying about insomnia and forcing your eyes shut will give you headaches and should be avoided.

Lastly, before going to sleep, do darshan of your deity and Guru's picture, and chant your favourite mantra. Or just chant: Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosai, Kripa Karhu Guru Dev Ki Nai.