Why People in Foreign Countries Take Sleeping Pills but Indians Rarely Do

Why People in Foreign Countries Take Sleeping Pills but Indians Rarely Do

Sleep is a universal human need, yet the way people approach it varies across cultures. A noticeable difference exists between India and many foreign countries: Indians generally avoid sleeping pills, while in Western nations their use is far more common. This difference arises from a combination of lifestyle, culture, medicine, and psychology.

One of the primary reasons is stress and lifestyle. In many foreign countries, life is fast-paced and highly competitive. Jobs demand long hours, deadlines are strict, and financial pressure often leads to chronic stress. Stress naturally interferes with sleep, and as a result, people turn to sleeping pills for quick relief. In India, stress does exist, but the presence of family, social bonds, and spiritual practices often reduces its impact, allowing sleep to come more naturally.

Another important factor is loneliness and social structure. Western societies are largely individualistic, where living alone is common. This isolation frequently leads to anxiety and insomnia. In contrast, Indian society still values joint families and strong community ties. Emotional support from family members acts as a buffer against sleeplessness, making the need for pills less frequent.

The medical system and accessibility of medicines also play a role. In foreign countries, sleeping pills are easily prescribed by doctors, and health insurance makes them affordable. In India, however, people are cautious about side effects and dependency. They prefer home remedies, Ayurveda, or yoga before turning to chemical solutions.

A further reason is physical activity and sleep quality. In many Indian villages and small towns, people still engage in physical labor. This natural fatigue promotes deep and restorative sleep. On the other hand, in developed nations, sedentary lifestyles dominate—more screen time, less movement—which disturbs natural sleep cycles and forces reliance on artificial aids like pills.

Lastly, there is the mental health approach. Western societies acknowledge mental health issues openly and often use medicines as the first solution. India, on the other hand, traditionally leans on meditation, prayer, yoga, and breathing exercises to manage anxiety and stress. These natural methods improve sleep without medication.

In conclusion, people in foreign countries take sleeping pills mainly due to stress, loneliness, sedentary lifestyles, and easy medical access. Indians rarely do so because family support, traditional remedies, and spiritual practices provide natural alternatives. Thus, while the West often sleeps through “medicine,” India still believes in sleeping through “tradition and lifestyle.”