Insomnia

Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep or to stay asleep long enough to get a good nights rest. Proper rest is essential to good health, and sleeplessness is a sign of imbalance.

People with sleep problems are often amazed at how much a good night's sleep can change their life. With more rest, energy and focus improve, the immune system and the body's ability to deal with stress are strengthened, and nagging health conditions resolve more easily.

In Chinese medicine, sleep is seen as one's yang energy moving inward to be enfolded by yin. Many different patterns of imbalance can hinder this process. Sleep can be disrupted by pain, hormonal imbalances; digestive or cardiovascular disorders, anxiety and depression, and many medications have the side effect of sleeplessness. The effects of imbalance can be as simple as difficulty quieting the mind when preparing for sleep, or sleep which is easily disturbed by light or sound, to very restless, agitated or dream disturbed sleep.

Our own energy is affected greatly by the energy of the world around us and the rhythm of our days should naturally reflect the sun's course. As the sun is setting the ruling energy is that of yang (day) transforming into yin (night). This is the appropriate time to start slowing down, quieting the mind and preparing for sleep. This of course is not always possible, but those suffering from sleeplessness should be aware of the influences of the world around them and try to adjust their habits to better reflect this natural pattern. Stimulating food and drink including spicy foods, heavy meats, rich sauces, alcohol and caffeine should be avoided in the evening. Stressful mental work should be avoided if possible in the evenings and vigorous exercise should be scheduled earlier in the day. Activity should be restful, meditation or gentle stretching and breathing exercises can help prepare the body for sleep

Acupuncture can be a useful tool for combating insomnia. In terms of Chinese medicine, insomnia is differentiated according to whether it is a problem of getting to sleep or a problem staying asleep.  The acupuncturist will look for other signs and symptoms which are often related to different sleep disorder patterns in Chinese medicine such as a bitter taste in the mouth or the propensity to be easily startled and suffering from poor concentration (to name just a few !).