Insomnia

Getting a good night's sleep seems to be harder and harder for the average American to do these days. We know that within the course of a year, up to 30 percent of the population will suffer from insomnia, but since September 11th, that percentage has skyrocketed. Which brings us to the understanding that a large percentage of insomnia is associated with psychological factors, particularly depression. In these cases, counseling, exercise, and stress-control techniques, such as acupuncture, can be very helpful.

But what about the cases that don't seem to be related to stress or depression or other psychological factors? In Traditional Chinese Medicine, there are five primary patterns that are associated with insomnia. Only one of those is related to stress; the other four relate to energetic and physical imbalances that eventually manifest as insomnia, among other symptoms.The following cases demonstrate two of those patterns:

Patient A was a 15-year-old female suffering from progressively worsening insomnia. Her main difficulty was falling asleep, which could often take her hours. Once asleep, she would not awaken till morning. This patient also had a poor appetite, was somewhat underweight, had sweaty hands and feet, and a sallow complexion. In terms of Chinese Medicine, she was suffering from Spleen/Pancreas Qi Deficiency and Blood Deficiency, meaning that her digestive system was not functioning at an optimum level. What would her digestion have to do with insomnia? From a conventional medicine point of view, we know that low nighttime blood glucose levels, intimately related to the pancreas and digestion, are an important cause of insomnia. Patient A was given dietary advice as well as herbs to benefit her pancreas and digestion. She now falls asleep much more readily.

Patient B is quite a strikingly different case: A 83-year-old female, she had no problem falling asleep, but could not stay asleep for more than a few hours at a time. This patient also complained of general fatigue, achiness in the low back and knees, forgetfulness, occasional light-headedness, and extreme dryness of the skin and eyes. In terms of Chinese Medicine, this patient was suffering from Kidney/Adrenal Yin Deficiency, a common condition in the elderly. For this patient a combination of acupuncture and herbs was very helpful in giving her sounder sleep.

If you suffer from insomnia or if you have a health condition that is causing you concern, you are welcome to call me for a free phone consultation at 858/673-1397.

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Rancho Bernardo Sun/ Diamond Gateway Signature
May 2002