Herbal Remedies for Insomnia
Insomnia occurs when one has a difficult time sleeping, and it may be acute or chronic. Transient insomnia will only last for a few days to a few weeks and is typically due to life changes, stress, or diet. Acute insomnia will last from a few weeks to a couple months. If insomnia occurs over 6 months it is considered chronic.
Insomnia may occur if one has difficulty falling asleep, or wakes up in the middle of the night or the morning. It may be aggravated or caused by stress, depression, hormonal changes, anxiety, caffeine, and diet. Insomnia is also linked to other conditions such as fatigue and a higher mortality rate.
There are several different patterns of insomnia that we will cover below, and the appropriate herbal recommendation for each pattern is also listed. A good all around herbal remedy for any type of insomnia is Valerian Easy Sleep.
Heart Blood and Spleen Deficiency
This pattern is common in people who also suffer from anemia. When there is insufficient blood in the body it can cause a number of problems. The most common symptoms of this pattern include:
Heart and Kidney Deficiency
This type of insomnia is frequent in people over 45 years old, it is common in menopausal women, as well as men who have overworked or stressed their systems for many years. Common accompanying symptoms include:
Insufficiency of Liver Blood
This pattern is common in young women that are vegetarians and suffer from PMS. It is less frequent in men but may occur if the man has lost a lot of blood or is on a vegetarian diet. Common symptoms of this pattern are:
Though there are a few other patterns of insomnia, the ones listed above are the most common. If you have a pattern that is not listed above or would like to do an individual health history consultation please contact us.
Insomnia may occur if one has difficulty falling asleep, or wakes up in the middle of the night or the morning. It may be aggravated or caused by stress, depression, hormonal changes, anxiety, caffeine, and diet. Insomnia is also linked to other conditions such as fatigue and a higher mortality rate.
There are several different patterns of insomnia that we will cover below, and the appropriate herbal recommendation for each pattern is also listed. A good all around herbal remedy for any type of insomnia is Valerian Easy Sleep.
Heart Blood and Spleen Deficiency
This pattern is common in people who also suffer from anemia. When there is insufficient blood in the body it can cause a number of problems. The most common symptoms of this pattern include:
- Difficulty Falling Asleep
- Excessive Dreaming
- Fatigue
- Weak Digestion, Bloating after Eating, Loose Stools
- Dizziness
- Heart Palpitations
- Pale Complexion
Heart and Kidney Deficiency
This type of insomnia is frequent in people over 45 years old, it is common in menopausal women, as well as men who have overworked or stressed their systems for many years. Common accompanying symptoms include:
- Difficulty falling and staying asleep
- Fever or Heat Sensations
- Frequent or Severe Thirst
- Night Sweats
- Sweating in the Hands, Feet, or Chest
Insufficiency of Liver Blood
This pattern is common in young women that are vegetarians and suffer from PMS. It is less frequent in men but may occur if the man has lost a lot of blood or is on a vegetarian diet. Common symptoms of this pattern are:
- Waking up in the Middle of the Night
- Difficulty Falling Back Asleep
- Anger or Short Tempered
- Headaches (Especially Behind the Eyes or in the Temples)
- Anemia
- Tightness or Pain in the Ribs or Abdomen
- PMS or Missed Periods
Though there are a few other patterns of insomnia, the ones listed above are the most common. If you have a pattern that is not listed above or would like to do an individual health history consultation please contact us.