The term insomnia literally denotes a complete lack of sleep. It is, however, used to indicate a relative inability to sleep that consists of difficulty in falling asleep, difficulty in remaining asleep, early final awakening or combinations of these complaints. This disease has assumed alarming proportions in the present times, specially among the upper classes in the urban set up.

• Tension, anxiety, stress: The most common cause of sleeplessness is mental tension brought about anxiety, worries, overwork and overexcitement.
• Suppressed resentment, anger and bitterness: Suppressed feelings of resentment, anger and bitterness may also cause insomnia.
• Constipation, overeating, excessive tea/coffee/smoking: Constipation, dyspepsia, overeating at night, excessive intake of tea and coffee, smoking and going to bed hungry are among the other causes. Often, worrying about the falling asleep is enough to keep one awake.

• Lettuce: Lettuce is beneficial in the treatment of insomnia as it contains a sleep-inducing substance, called 'lectucarium'. The juice of this plant has been likened in effect to the sedative action of opium without the accompanying excitement. Lettuce seeds taken in a decoction are also useful in insomnia. One tablespoon of seeds should be boiled in half a liter of water, till it is reduced by one-third.
• Milk: Milk is very valuable in insomnia. A glass of milk, sweetened with honey, should be taken every night before going to bed in treating this condition. It acts as a tonic and a tranquillizer. Massaging the milk over the soles of the feet has also been found effective.
• Curd: Curd is also useful in insomnia. The patient should take plenty of curd and massage it on the head. This will induce sleep.
• Honey: Honey is beneficial in the treatment of insomnia. It has a hypnotic action and induces a sound sleep. It should be taken with water, before going to bed, in doses of two teaspoons in a large cup of water. Babies generally fall asleep after taking honey.

• Low salt diet: The patient should take a low-salt diet as salt is said to interfere with a restful sleep. A balanced diet with simple modifications in the eating pattern will go a long way in the treatment of insomnia.
• Avoid white flour products, sugar products, tea etc.: Such a diet should exclude white flour products, sugar and its products, tea, coffee, chocolate, cola drinks, alcohol, fatty foods, fried foods, and foods containing additives.
• Regular active exercise: Regular active exercise during the day and mild exercise before retiring at night enhances the quantity and the quality of sleep. Yoga helps in a majority of cases. It provides physical and mental relaxation from one’s disturbing problems.