Insomnia
Insomnia happens to everyone at some point in our lives. It’s normal to have a sleepless night on rare occasions, such as during stressful periods, but insomnia becomes a problem when it is regular. Whether you cannot fall asleep, or wake up at different times during the night, insomnia can be debilitating. Poor sleep affects our mental health and bodies’ repair processes, including those of the brain. We often make more mistakes at work or during important tasks such as driving, which can be dangerous.
Chronic insomnia is conventionally treated with sedative medication. Their purpose is to increase the levels of calming neurotransmitters in the brain. They may seem helpful in the short-term, but over time can cause addiction and have negative neurological side effects as your brain becomes dependent on them.
However, Chinese medicine recognizes the role that other organs and systems in your body play in keeping your brain healthy, including their energetic functions. Spleen deficiency and Liver Qi stagnation (when transforming into fire) is the most common Chinese diagnosis. Their dysfunction leads to Qi, blood, and organ function being disrupted throughout the body. Both physical and psychological factors can affect organ function. For example, excessive anger dysregulates the Liver, and worry harms the Spleen. When these organs’ energetic systems are returned to balance, real health benefits typically appear as the nourishment and detoxification of tissues returns to normal.
Acupuncture works by supporting your body’s own production of neurotransmitters and the sleep hormone, melatonin. Clinical research shows that it can increase night-time levels of melatonin, while improving sleep quality and energy levels in the day. The amount of time spent in deep sleep, where much of the body’s regenerative processes take place, increased to almost normal levels too.
At Life Balance Clinic, Dr Dekhtyar works with every individual patient to find the true causes of their conditions and the best treatment. For example, everyday habits are common contributors to insomnia, such as staying up late to watch TV series or ruminating about life stresses. As a result, other remedies you may be offered for insomnia include relaxation techniques and breathing exercises, depending on your unique needs.
To start building better sleep habits, contact us today at 847-724-1777.
