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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Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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How to deal with insomnia and frequent dreams due to qi deficiency?

For insomnia and frequent dreaming caused by qi deficiency, it is crucial to pay more attention to rest and maintain sufficient sleep, avoiding staying up late. You can soak your feet in warm water before sleeping, as this process can accelerate the metabolism in the body and promote blood circulation, which can effectively improve the symptoms of insomnia and frequent dreaming, and also relieve some symptoms caused by qi deficiency. Alternatively, acupuncture under the guidance of a qualified physician can also achieve good relief, or you can eat more qi-nourishing foods in your daily diet.

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Written by Liu Shi Xiang
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What should I do about insomnia and frequent dreams? What are the methods to treat insomnia and frequent dreams?

The methods for treating insomnia and frequent dreaming mainly include the following: Firstly, patients should try adjusting their lifestyle and diet to treat insomnia and frequent dreaming. For instance, patients can drink a small amount of milk, honey water, or herbal tea before bed. They can also listen to some slow rhythm light music before sleeping, which helps to relax nerves and muscles, promoting sleep. Patients can also soak their feet in hot water and massage their temples before bed. These physical treatments can also help improve sleep. Most patients generally see an improvement in their insomnia and dreaming after adjusting their diet and lifestyle. If these adjustments still leave the patient suffering from insomnia and frequent dreaming, they can use a small amount of sedative and sleep-inducing medications to improve sleep. Common drugs include zopiclone, eszopiclone, and zolpidem. Furthermore, psychotherapy can also help to some extent in improving the situation of insomnia and frequent dreaming.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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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 Zhang Yue Mei
Cardiology
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What should I do if I have a rapid heartbeat and insomnia?

Experiencing a rapid heart rate can cause panic, restlessness, and severely affect sleep. After an electrocardiogram examination, if the rapid heart rate is not caused by organic heart disease, medications to control the heart rate can be used under a doctor’s guidance, or choose sedative and calming traditional Chinese medicines or Western medicines to stabilize the nerves, slow the heart rate, and promote sleep. If the rapid heart rate is due to organic heart disease, treatment of the underlying disease is necessary under a doctor's guidance, along with the use of medications to control the heart rate, to ensure the quality of sleep.

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How to treat anxiety and insomnia?

The patient is experiencing anxiety and insomnia, and the following treatment methods are recommended. Firstly, it is crucial for the patient to pay attention to psychological adjustment, maintain a pleasant mood, keep a good mindset, and communicate more with others, which can achieve very good effects. Secondly, it is essential to develop one's hobbies, engage in more outdoor sports, which can divert one's attention, significantly reduce anxiety, and also improve insomnia. Thirdly, long-term anxiety and insomnia can have adverse effects on the body. It is possible to take benzodiazepine drugs, which help with sleep and can also counteract anxiety, and should be taken under a doctor's advice. Finally, if the patient's anxiety is very pronounced, it is necessary to see a psychologist for treatment and take some anti-anxiety medication.