Will meditation cure my insomnia or do I need medical treatment?

Meditation won’t cure chronic insomnia. Some insomnia requires medical intervention: sleep apnea needs CPAP treatment, restless leg syndrome may need medication, severe insomnia often responds to CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia) or prescription sleep aids. Hormone-related insomnia (menopause, perimenopause) may need hormone therapy. Pain-related insomnia requires pain management. Meditation is a complement, not a replacement. It can help reduce sleep anxiety, racing thoughts, and the panic of being awake. It can make sleepless nights less distressing while you pursue medical treatment. But if you’re experiencing chronic insomnia (3+ nights per week for 3+ months), talk to a sleep specialist or doctor. Meditation alone isn’t enough for severe or medically-caused insomnia. Use it alongside proper treatment, not instead of it.