scientific studies show that chronic insomnia affects nearly 10–15% of adults worldwide, and many don’t even realize it’s a medical condition. i was one of them. i thought staying awake until 3 am, tossing and turning, was just my personality. i told myself i was a “night owl.” but deep inside, i knew something was wrong.
when i finally booked an appointment with dr. manvir bhatia at the neurology and sleep centre in delhi, i expected the usual advice: “relax more” or “take melatonin.” instead, she explained insomnia in a way i had never heard before.
she told me insomnia isn’t just about trouble sleeping. it’s a neurological sleep disorder that affects the brain’s sleep-wake cycle. stress, hormones, even small changes in breathing during sleep can keep the brain in a constant “alert” mode. this explained why i felt tired, anxious, and foggy during the day even if i slept a few hours at night.
what shocked me most was when she connected my insomnia to long-term health risks. poor sleep isn’t only about fatigue. it increases the risk of hypertension, memory problems, even diabetes. she showed me studies proving how untreated insomnia strains the heart and weakens the immune system. suddenly, my “normal” problem didn’t feel normal anymore.
during my consultation, she also asked questions that no other doctor had asked before:
- do i wake up with headaches?
- does my snoring disturb others
- do i ever feel tingling or restless legs at night?
these questions made me realize insomnia could be linked with sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, or even neurological issues.
at that moment, i understood why people call her the best sleep specialist in delhi. it wasn’t just the knowledge. it was the way she pieced together every detail of my health, making me see the full picture.
for the first time, i felt my sleep issues were taken seriously. she suggested a sleep study at the clinic in hauz khas, where they monitor brain activity, breathing, and oxygen while you sleep. she explained how this test could reveal hidden causes of insomnia.
hearing this, i realized i had been ignoring something critical. i used to search “sleep doctor delhi” online, thinking all doctors would give the same answers. but what i got at the neurology and sleep centre was different — a mix of science, compassion, and a plan tailored just for me.
looking back, i regret waiting so long. i thought insomnia was just part of modern life. but it wasn’t. it was a medical condition i needed help with.
today, after following the treatment plan, i sleep better. i wake up without that heavy fog. and i now know that seeing a sleep specialist early can prevent years of silent suffering.
if you’re reading this and still telling yourself “my insomnia is normal,” i’d say — don’t wait. get the right help. i did, and it changed everything.
