Why women are more likely to experience insomnia than men and how insomnia healing can help

Where one in four Indians suffers from this sleep disorder called insomnia, diagnosed by the difficulty to fall or stay asleep, such a chronic condition impairs daily functioning but also increases health problems, including diminished immunity, inflammation, and mental health disorders like depression. Studies have found women to be more vulnerable to insomnia compared to men due to various biological and social factors.

Why are women vulnerable?

The body of women is always changing; such change affects their sleep patterns directly.
Hormonal levels within the menstrual cycle ensure that oestrogen and progesterone are two hormones interfering with neurotransmitter melatonin, which regulates sleep. Since estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate, particularly after the middle of the menstrual cycle-luteal phase-melatonin is displaced; hence, it is difficult for females to sleep or stay asleep. To make matters worse, sleepiness induced by menstruation haunts one’s back door, hence creating a vicious cycle making women more prone to sleeping disorders such as insomnia.
This is apart from those major hormonal phases of pregnancy and menopause. An imbalance of vata dosha in the Ayurveda dosha system, which governs the nervous system, emotions, and the sleeping mechanism, might interact with hormonal imbalances to produce a type of chiasm with insomnia or heightened susceptibility to this particular sleep disorder, especially for women suffering from PCOS or PCOD. This in turn further increases the prevalence of sleep disorders like insomnia among women.

The Role of Lifestyle Stressors

Modern women often juggle multiple roles—caregiver, homemaker, and breadwinner—leaving little room for self-care. Managing work stress alongside domestic responsibilities often leads to irregular sleeping patterns, disrupting the body’s natural circadian rhythm. Chronic sleep deprivation triggers a downward spiral, exacerbating stress and reducing sleep quality, which in turn heightens the likelihood of developing insomnia.

Holistic Remedies for Insomnia

Healing from insomnia may mean re-establishing balance, not only in lifestyle but also in the body’s energy systems. In Ayurvedic practice, doshas are stabilised, especially that of vata through meditation, diet, among others. A blockage in the energy channels may be set straight by a seasoned healer, thus reducing this hyperactivity, letting a person feel relaxed.

Insomnia healing- Building resilience

The following are some modern, natural ways to support restful sleep, apart from the traditional practices:
Self hypnosis and relaxing techniques : That leaves control of your body’s response to stress, it could make your body relax while practising soft techniques such as meditation or simply listening to soft music may be an indication to take it easy.
Limit screen time: Avoid screens ( TVs, phones and laptops) at least 30 minutes before sleep since this prevents as much blue light which can affect the onset of melatonin release and creates sleep cycle disruption.
Natural sleep remedy: Calming herbal teas, such as chamomile or lavender, can be a natural means to induce sleepiness. However, if any remedy—be it an essential oil or an aroma diffuser—is irritating you, then it is probably time to stop it and find another remedy.
Daily walk: A 20-minute walk daily ensures that one has quality circulation, quality health, and therefore, sleep. General physical exercises would ensure that the body gets completely exhausted and not sleep anyhow.
The sleep rituals are sleep building rituals, such as a warm shower, chants, or Brahmari Pranayama, which prepare the body to settle for rest. If it doesn’t fall asleep right away, sleeping at the same time every night, relaxing, and listening to good music-like flute or sounds-can reprogram the body into a better sleep pattern in the long run.

More Tips to Sleep Better

Avoid stimulants. Caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine are sleep invaders, especially in the late afternoon. Naps need to be short, or eliminated altogether if they interfere with nighttime sleep.
Savvy use of essential oils: Lavender or agarwood essential oil-to sleep, applied at pulse points or diffused in the bedroom-from the natural source and free from synthetic additives so that they are both strong and odourless.
Massaging: Pressure points such as eyebrows, temples, and the jaw reduce psychosomatic stress and anxiety through mild tapping. After tapping on the points for a minute, it helps relax the facial muscles and gets a good quality of sleep.
Early evening meal: Eating dinner three to four hours before sleeping improves the digestion and the quality.
The lifestyle alterations and holistic remedies help these women regain their balance and recovery while enhancing their sleep cycle for overall wellness. Such measures may combine well with prescriptions, but it is absolutely not an alternative to medical guidance and drugs.
Women must first visit a healthcare provider to make an appointment for the cessation of insomnia while following a systemic approach towards treatment.
Authored by Siddhii Shaah Healer, Angel Card Reader, Spiritual Energy Activation Coach
and founder of Yana’s Healing Studio.