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        If good sleep still eludes you after you have tried a warm glass of milk, bedtime bath or even counting sheep, you could be suffering from insomnia, a common condition associated with sleep disorder.

        An insomniac finds it difficult in initiating and maintaining sleep resulting in a feeling of fatigue and tiredness throughout the day. Experts are of the opinion that approximately one third of the Indian population suffers from some sort of sleep disorder at some point of their life. It is more prevalent in urban India due to stressful lifestyles, hectic work schedules and psychological problems.

        Those complaining of no proper sleep at nights, tossing in bed are at a loss to know the quantum of sleep required. So, how much sleep is enough? There is no categorical answer. Each individual's needs are different. Some thrive on five to six hours' sleep, while others need eight to nine hours.

        'Insomnia is the most common form of sleep disorder. If you have not been able to sleep well for more than 3-4 weeks, and it is affecting your work, it's time to consult the doctor, says Dr Vasudevan, neurologist, at Dr Kamakshi Memorial Hospital, Pallikaranai, a Chennai suburb.

        An insomniac has a few common symptoms that may indicate a sleep disorder. These include tiredness, headache, reduced concentration, daytime fatigue, mood changes, memory lapses and reduced performance. Untreated insomnia can impair social and recreational activities, increased human errors, loss of productivity and elevated risk of accidents, decrement in their mood. In particular considerable research supports a strong association between insomnia and depression. Insomnia is frequently co-morbid with physical and mental illness, as either a consequence or a contributing factor. Those with insomnia have 3.5 - 4.5 times more accidents in general, 1.5 times more work-related accidents, and 2.5 times motor vehicle accidents. Psychiatrist Dr Geetanjali Sharma stressed that good quality sleep should be considered an essential component of healthy lifestyles, as much as exercise and nutrition.

        Few people, including patients, health professionals and health authorities, recognise insomnia as a serious problem requiring treatment. The kind of treatment that usually does take place is self-medication with a sleeping pill like alprazolam and perhaps downed with some alcohol.

        However, Dr Sharma cautions that self-medication could worsen insomnia and cause more side- effects than the desired result. 'I have personally seen patients who had become addicted to sleeping pills before they finally managed to get proper treatment,' informs Dr Vasudevan.

        The biggest problem with self-medication is that it overlooks one major aspect that is identifying the cause of the insomnia. Insomnia could be caused by a multitude of factors, including medical conditions, psychological problems or environmental changes. Use of sedative medications like benzodiazepines for sleep problems must be closely monitored by your doctor. Your body can become dependent (withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuing) to these sedative medications. Your body may also become tolerant (medication becomes immune) to these sedatives. These self-medications may remain in the system for a longer period making one feel tired and exhausted throughout the day. Inappropriate self-medication for insomnia may cause more problem in the long run and therefore needs proper medical consultation and intervention.

        For more details contact Dr D Vasudevan on Mobile: 94440 76681. Dr Geetanjali Sharma phone no: 2381 3252.