Chinese herbal medicine for insomnia

Sleep is essential for maintaining physical health, cognitive performance, and emotional well-being. In this article, we explore the potential of Chinese herbal medicine to help individuals suffering from insomnia.

Sleep Quality Measures

Sleep quality is not just about the number of hours spent sleeping but also about measures such as:

• Total Sleep Time (TST): The total amount of time spent sleeping during the night.

• Sleep Efficiency (SE): The percentage of time in bed actually spent sleeping.

• Sleep Onset Latency (SOL): The time it takes to fall asleep after going to bed.

• Wake Time After Sleep Onset (WASO): The duration of wakefulness during the night after initially falling asleep.

Possible CM diagnosis of insomnia

• Heart and Kidney Disharmony: Associated with difficulty falling asleep and vivid dreams.

• Liver Qi Stagnation: Linked to stress and difficulty staying asleep.

• Spleen and Stomach Dysfunction: Related to poor digestion affecting sleep.
• Deficiency of Yin: Resulting in night sweats, restlessness, and difficulty achieving deep sleep.

Chinese medicine may offer some relief

Chinese herbal medicine has been shown to effectively address insomnia by targeting its underlying causes. A systematic review and meta-analysis by Li et al. (2020) highlighted the efficacy and safety of the Yang-Xin-An-Shen patent formula (Nourish and Calm the Heart Formula) for insomnia. This therapy was found to improve sleep duration, sleep efficiency, and overall sleep quality, with minimal adverse effects.

Personalised  herbal medicine improves efficacy and safety

One strength of Chinese herbal medicine lies in its highly personalized approach. Individual herbs are carefully selected and combined based on the patient’s specific symptoms, constitution, and the underlying causes of insomnia. This targeted approach not only enhances efficacy but also reduces the use of unnecessary herbs.

Commonly CM herbs for insomnia

Some of the most frequently used herbs in Chinese medicine for insomnia include:

• Ziziphus Spinosa: Calms the mind and nourishes the Heart and Liver.
• Poria: Reduces anxiety and promotes relaxation.
• Biota Seed: Moistens the intestines and calms the mind.
• Albizia Bark: Relieves stress and enhances mood.
• Salvia Root: Improves circulation and calms the mind.

Good sleep hygiene remains paramount

Chinese herbal medicine works best when combined with healthy sleep habits. Here are some practical tips:

1. Establish a Sleep Schedule: Go to bed and wake up at consistent times, even on weekends.
2. Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: Engage in calming activities such as mindfulness meditation, light stretching, or reading.
3. Avoid Stimulants: Less caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol intake, especially in the evening.
4. Sleep Environment: Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool. Consider using blackout curtains or white noise machines.

If you’re struggling with insomnia, consider exploring the benefits of Chinese herbal medicine along with acupuncture for a more effective approach.