Woman sleeping. Best treatments for insomnia

16 April, 2026  |  Holy Winter - Healthcare Writer

Woman sleeping. Best treatments for insomnia

Understanding Insomnia and New Approaches to Improve Sleep Naturally

Struggling with sleep can affect every part of your waking day.

When you’re not sleeping properly, it’s not just about feeling tired and drained. It can impact your mood, your ability to concentrate, your energy levels, and even your relationships. Over time, poor sleep can start to feel like a cycle that’s hard to break.

Insomnia is one of the most common sleep conditions, and for many people, it’s not simply a matter of “trying harder” to sleep. There can be many underlying factors involved, and understanding what these are is an important first step toward finding the right support.

Why sleep becomes difficult

Sleep is controlled by a balance of signals in the brain.

On one side, your body builds up a natural need for sleep throughout the day. On the other, there are systems in the brain that promote wakefulness and alertness.

In people with insomnia, this balance can be significantly disrupted. The brain may continue sending “wakefulness” signals even when the body is ready to sleep. Sometimes people might say this is rather like their mind refusing to rest. It can make it almost impossible to fall asleep, stay asleep, or feel properly rested in the morning.

Because of this, simply “switching off” isn’t always possible, and different approaches are often needed.

Common approaches to managing insomnia

There isn’t a single solution that works for everyone, but many approaches focus on helping the body and mind return to a more natural sleep pattern.

These can include:

  • Improving sleep habits and routine - good air circulation can help
  • Reducing caffeine or screen use before bed
  • Managing stress and anxiety during the day better
  • Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBTi)
  • In some cases, clinically prescribed treatments

For some people, non-medical approaches are enough. But for others, additional support may be needed to help regulate sleep patterns and improve quality of rest.

The role of sleep medications

Sleep medications are sometimes used when insomnia is having a significant impact on daily life. Traditional sleeping tablets worked by sedating the brain, which did help people fall asleep but many experienced side-effects, including:

  • Next-day drowsiness
  • Dependence with long-term use
  • A “forced” rather than natural sleep experience

Thankfully, there are newer treatments on the market that take a very different approach.

A different way of supporting sleep

One newer class of medication works by targeting the brain’s natural wakefulness system rather than simply sedating it.

This system is controlled in part by a chemical called orexin, which helps keep us alert during the day. In people with insomnia, this system may stay too active at night, making it harder to fall asleep.

By reducing the activity of this wakefulness signal, these treatments aim to help the body transition into sleep more naturally.

Who might benefit from this approach?

These types of treatments may be considered for adults who are experiencing ongoing difficulties with falling or staying asleep, such as:

  • Struggling to sleep for three or more nights a week over a period of at least three months, and feel that poor sleep is significantly affecting their daily life.
  • Those who have already tried lifestyle changes without sufficient or noticeable improvement.
  • Those who are seeking a more targeted clinical approach, particularly where CBTi hasn’t worked.

It’s important to recognise that sleep is influenced by a range of factors, and rarely comes down to a single cause. Even when treatment is introduced, long-term improvements are often supported by maintaining consistent sleep routines, addressing stress and mental wellbeing, and adopting healthy lifestyle habits alongside ongoing support.

As with any treatment, suitability depends on individual circumstances, medical history, and a full clinical assessment. For this reason, any treatment should always be prescribed following a consultation with a qualified healthcare professional, with the most effective outcomes typically achieved through a combination of medical support and broader lifestyle considerations.

Exploring treatment options

For some patients, newer treatments that work with the brain’s natural sleep and wakefulness systems may offer an alternative to traditional sleep medications.

One example is Daridorexant, a prescription treatment that works by targeting the wakefulness system in the brain. Instead of forcing sleep, it is designed to help reduce the signals that keep you awake, allowing your body to transition more naturally into rest.

You can learn more about this treatment here: https://www.iqdoctor.co.uk/treatments/insomnia/daridorexant/

“Insomnia isn’t just about feeling tired; it can affect every part of your daily life, from mood to concentration and overall wellbeing.”

“At IQDoctor, we recognise that sleep difficulties often stem from complex, underlying factors rather than simply ‘not trying hard enough.’ By understanding how the brain regulates sleep and wakefulness, we can offer more targeted, evidence-based support; whether through lifestyle adjustments, cognitive behavioural therapy, or newer treatments that work with the brain’s natural systems. Our goal is to help people achieve restorative sleep safely, naturally, and sustainably."

Omar El-Gohary, CEO & Superintendent Pharmacist, IQDoctor

Final Thoughts

So, if you’re struggling with sleep, it’s important to know that you’re not alone, and there are options available.

Understanding exactly how sleep works, what may be affecting it, and what support is available can be the first step toward improvement.

At IQDoctor, we focus on providing safe, evidence-based care, alongside clear guidance to help you make informed decisions about you and your health. Sleep can take time to improve, but with the right support, progress is always possible.

References

  1. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/insomnia/
  2. https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/
  3. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/insomnia

Reviewed By

Omar El-Gohary

Omar El-Gohary

CEO & Superintendent Pharmacist, iQ Doctor - Registration Number 2059792.

Omar is passionate about developing healthcare technology to empower our patients.

Related Posts

 | 

Enjoy Spontaneous Sex With Popular Erectile Dysfunction Medication Cialis

 | 

Treat Erectile Dysfunction With Cheap Sildenafil From Regulated UK Online Pharmacy

 | 

Order Genuine Viagra Online And Get Relief From Erectile Dysfunction



Get the latest news