Insomnia

By Betty McDonald

Insomnia is a serious condition affecting millions of people, mostly as a result of a fast-paced lifestyle, although it is sometimes illness-related, and one of the adverse symptoms of aging.  Some people have trouble falling asleep, and wake up a lot during the night with trouble returning to sleep.  Others wake up too early in the morning or experience sleep that is not refreshing, even after sleeping 7 to 8 hours.  As a result, there are problems of excessive sleepiness, fatigue, trouble thinking clearly, and feeling depressed or irritable.
 
Too often the approach to sleeping problems is prescription hypnotics that are grossly over-prescribed, do nothing to cure the basic problem, have adverse affects that are intolerable.  They also pose problems of dependence and addiction.  Patients are often afraid to take them long term, but feel they have no alternative.   In addition, sometimes the use results in serious losses of memory of recent events, and sometimes of entire days.  Also, some drugs that are intended for another use, are used for insomnia, resulting in constipation, dry mouth, and sexual problems. 
 
Insomnia can be treated successfully with acupuncture and herbal medicine, along with changes in lifestyle.  The theory of Chinese medicine is based on the flow of energy throughout the body.  If a blockage occurs in this river of energy, there will be a negative impact on health.  To restore the flow of qi, natural, safe, and effective herbs plus a combination of acupuncture points, chosen specifically for insomnia, are used.  Herbs are used to speed up the recovery process, build, support and tonify the body.
 
In addition to acupuncture and herbal medicine, the practitioner will suggest lifestyle changes such as going to sleep at the same time each night and getting up at the same time each morning.  It is important to avoid stimulants like caffeine, and to not exercise 5 to 6 hours before bedtime.  Eating dinner 2 to 3 hours before bedtime is advised, as well as keeping the bedroom dark, quiet, and cool.  If noise is a problem, try earplugs, a fan, or a white noise machine to cover up the sounds.  Follow a routine to help relax and wind down before sleep, such as reading a book.  If you can’t fall asleep within 20 minutes, get up and read or do something that is not too active until you feel sleepy.  Then try going back to bed.  Avoid other activities in your bed, such as reading or watching tv.  Overtime, your body will relate bed and bedtime with sleep.
 
Although insomnia is a problem for all ages, it can create special problems for elderly people.  Often, they are taking medications for other conditions, and those medications may disturb sleep.  It is then that alternative medicine should be considered to treat not only the insomnia, but any other conditions affecting them to minimize the number of prescriptions they are taking.  In fact, it is well known that Chinese Medicine treats many diagnosed medical illnesses and attacks the underlying imbalance that is creating the sleep problem.
Getting the proper amount of rest is absolutely essential to having a happy, productive life.  Ensuring and restoring a restful sleep in the most natural, drug free way is a better choice.