Most people have an occasional bout of insomnia without much disruption to their lives. When sleep problems become long-term, however, the situation can become both frustrating and damaging to one’s health. Lack of restorative sleep impairs everyday functioning, decreases the ability to concentrate, and can contribute to irritability and other mood problems. Long-term insomnia undermines the overall quality of life.
“Insomnia” can describe a range of sleep issues: difficulty falling asleep, waking throughout the night, waking too early in the morning, not sleeping deeply and being awakened easily, or some combination of these. Examples of Western medical disorders that may cause or contribute to sleep problems include depression, anxiety disorders, compromised nutritional status, respiratory disorders, hormone imbalances, and thyroid problems.
Sometimes a few good habits are enough to ensure a proper night’s sleep. Basic “sleep hygiene” suggestions include going to bed only when tired, getting up and going to bed at consistent times (regardless of the amount of sleep during the previous night), exercising daily, limiting fluids in the evening, discontinuing stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine, using the bedroom only for sleep (rather than watching TV or working), establishing a nightly routine for winding down from the day, and regularly practicing relaxation techniques.
Sometimes, however, despite implementing the above measures, additional intervention is necessary to provide a restful night’s sleep. In the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) model, insomnia can come from a variety of patterns of imbalance and, therefore, each treatment is based on a person’s specific circumstances. Treatment is aimed at rebalancing the entire person to address the root of the problem.
The common element in all insomnia is a disturbance of what TCM calls the Heart, the “home” of a person’s mental and emotional capacities. A healthy Heart system allows a person to rest peacefully during the night, concentrate during work, and function without anxiety. The specific reason the Heart is out of balance is discussed during the acupuncture session, and this information determines the components of the treatment plan. Sometimes the reasons for this imbalance can be quite complicated since other systems of the body can be part of the underlying problem and must be treated if recovery is to be complete.
Both acupuncture and herbal medicine are important elements in the treatment of insomnia. In addition, certain types of meditation or exercise (qi gong) can be extremely helpful because they can create a greater sense of calm during the day and/or before bed. Appropriate nutrition can also help support the body’s natural rhythms. Treatment generally consists of acupuncture two times per week with herbs in between appointments for several weeks. As the person’s system improves, the frequency of treatment decreases to once a week to every other week to every two weeks, etc. until the body can maintain balance on its own with proper self-care.
Chinese medicine tends to be quite effective in treating insomnia. Patients generally report experiencing more regulated sleep patterns, more restful sleep, and more consistent energy throughout the day. Having a reliable period of rest helps safeguard long-term health and improves quality of life.
The tools of Norah’s practice all respect the body’s amazing natural ability to heal if given the correct support and stimulus. Norah treats a wide range of health concerns including fertility issues, gynecological complaints, digestive and respiratory dysfunction, various types of pain, eating disorders, and anxiety.