Do you have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep? Is it often hard to calm your mind at night? You’re not alone. Approximately 48% of Americans report insomnia occasionally, while 22% experience insomnia every, or almost every, night.
Latin for “no sleep,” insomnia is the inability to fall asleep or remain asleep, says the National Sleep Foundation. Insomnia can also be described as waking up not feeling refreshed.
The Causes of Insomnia
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), insomnia is a sign of an imbalance of Qi (pronounced “chee”) in the body. These imbalances can stem from a number of causes, including stress, hormones, certain medications, pain, anxiety, and depression.
Your Plan to Get Some Good Shuteye
When seeking a peaceful night sleep, it’s helpful to make some lifestyle adjustments, including:
- Go to bed and wake up at the same times, even on weekends
- Avoid large meals several hours before bedtime
- Relax by taking a warm bath or reading a book before bed
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, energy drinks, and nicotine
- Stay physically active each day—exercise helps with sleep
In addition acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and Qigong classes all work well to help get to the root cause of your insomnia and bring the body—and Qi—back in balance. Using these time-tested, natural methods will help you to resolve insomnia, as well as improve your overall health.