Insomnia
Short
term, transient sleep difficulties can be fairly common and are
usually a response to increased stress / demands on the individual.
There can be difficulty falling asleep (general deficiency) or a
specific restlessness in the early hours of the morning (1-3 am
– “liver” related yin deficiency). It is important
to see insomnia as a deficiency in the relaxation energies of the
physiology, and thus long-term use of sedatives is contraindicated.
In the short term, however, these can be quite helpful so long as
one doesn’t exceed a few weeks of use.
Treatment Goal(s):
· Restore quality of sleep; decrease nighttime waking.
Primary
Treatment:
· Administer sedative herbs short-term. Some choices could
be Humulus lupulus (Hops); Passiflora incarnata (Passionflower);
Valeriana officinalis (Valerian); Matricaria chamomilla (Chamomile).
· Use Avena sativa (Oats) to provide nervous system support.
Supportive
Treatment:
· Aromatherapy using Lavandula officinalis (Lavender), perhaps
in a pre-bedtime bath, can be very relaxing and remove one from
the cares of the day.
· Practicing good “sleep hygiene” is important:
the patient should not lie in be awake, but rather get up, read,
exercise gently, take herbal supplements, practice deep breathing.
· Discourage the consumption of liquids (like tea or water)
two hours before reclining, to avoid waking to urinate.
· Establish a good exercise program, perhaps even a bit vigorous
if the condition can support it.
Differential diagnoses, cautions, and other considerations:
· Do not use sedatives for more than 6 weeks, as depressive
/ deficiency symptoms may develop and/or exacerbate.
· For long-term insomnia, usually coupled with a general
yin deficiency, use Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) and other adrenal
and nervous system tonics.
· If there is also anxiety, the addition of Scutellaria lateriflora
(Scullcap) may be helpful.
· For digestive and liver sluggishness, consider Verbena
hastata (Blue Vervain).
