What are the causes of insomnia?

Written by Huo Ze Jun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Updated on September 13, 2024
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Insomnia refers to difficulty in falling asleep or waking up early, which affects work the next day. There are many causes of insomnia, such as environmental factors, some medications, and some diseases, such as chronic diseases, which may cause insomnia in patients. It is also somewhat related to the patient's personality. From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, the main reasons for insomnia include the following: The first is Yin deficiency and excessive fire. The heart is associated with fire and the kidneys with water. If the heart's fire is too strong and the kidney's water is insufficient, it can cause insomnia. Additionally, patients with damp-heat conditions can also experience insomnia because too much damp-heat can disturb the mind and lead to insomnia. Moreover, some patients have excessive liver and gallbladder fire and a quick temper, which can also lead to insomnia. Another group of patients has both heart and spleen deficiencies; if both the heart and spleen are deficient in blood, it can result in insufficient nourishment for the mind's blood, ultimately leading to insomnia. Thus, patients with both heart and spleen deficiencies can suffer from insomnia.

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What to do about anxiety and insomnia?

If the patient experiences anxiety and insomnia, the following treatment methods are recommended: The first method is to engage in more sports training. During the day, one can participate in aerobic exercises such as jogging or playing sports with others, including basketball and table tennis. Physical activity helps stabilize the mind and improve emotional health, and it is effective in combating anxiety and treating insomnia. The second method involves increasing communication with others. Research has shown that more communication can significantly alleviate anxiety. Thirdly, if necessary, one can take some sedative hypnotic drugs, such as benzodiazepines or some newer types of non-benzodiazepine hypnotics. Fourth, if the anxiety is significant, under the advice of a psychiatrist, one can take serotonin reuptake inhibitors to counteract the anxiety. (Please consult a professional physician for specific medications.)

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Written by Pang Ji Cheng
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Does anxiety disorder cause insomnia?

Patients with anxiety disorders may experience symptoms of insomnia, primarily due to high sympathetic nervous excitement and hyperfunction of skeletal muscles. Therefore, patients may exhibit high alertness, difficulties falling asleep, frequent awakenings during sleep, or inability to fall back asleep after waking up. In such cases, clinically, anti-anxiety medications with sedative and hypnotic effects, such as benzodiazepine anti-anxiety drugs, or antidepressants with sedative effects, can be effectively used. Moreover, if anxiety disorder patients can self-adjust, such as through exercise, they may also improve their sleep conditions to some extent.

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Written by Li Hai Wen
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Management of poor heart condition and insomnia

If you have heart issues and are experiencing insomnia, you can consider the following adjustments: First, appropriate medication adjustments, such as under the guidance of traditional Chinese medicine, combining pulse-taking and tongue examination to determine the body's constitution, proper use of traditional Chinese herbs like sour jujube kernels, goji berries, poria, licorice, jujube, chrysanthemum, and honeysuckle to make porridge can to some extent improve sleep issues. Second, maintain good lifestyle habits, like keeping a positive mood, avoiding staying up late, developing the habit of sleeping regularly, and avoiding overeating, especially at dinner. If necessary, take Western medicine to improve sleep, such as eszopiclone, under the direction of a doctor.

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Written by Feng Ying Shuai
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Where to massage for insomnia and excessive dreaming?

Insomnia and frequent dreaming are common symptoms in the clinical setting. If the condition is not very severe, we can regulate our organ functions and alleviate the symptoms by massaging certain acupoints. Specific situations must be analyzed in detail. Here are some commonly used basic acupoints. For example, the Neiguan acupoint located above the pericardium muscle is frequently used and can reduce the incidence of insomnia and frequent dreaming. Additionally, the Shenmen and Tongli acupoints on the heart muscle can be massaged; moving upward, we can massage the deeper veins and the Zhaohai acupoint, as well as the Yinlingquan. Of course, clinically, depending on the different symptoms, we may also choose acupoints discerningly. For instance, if insomnia and frequent dreams are caused by poor digestion or an upset stomach, we can massage the Zhongwan acupoint to adjust the condition.

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Can Qi deficiency cause insomnia?

Qi deficiency can cause insomnia. Symptoms of qi deficiency include loss of appetite, nausea, dizziness, tinnitus, insomnia, frequent dreaming, abdominal bloating, and diarrhea, leading to a decreased immune response and reduced resistance in the body. It is possible to take some Chinese herbal medicines that replenish qi and blood, such as ginseng, astragalus, and schisandra. (Medication should be taken according to medical advice.) It is important to maintain a light diet, keep a cheerful mood, and avoid spicy and highly stimulating foods. Consuming chicken, beef, and pork to supplement qi and blood can be beneficial. Try to avoid getting frustrated.