Occasional sleep troubles are common, often tied to the stresses of modern life. However, persistent poor-quality sleep shouldn’t be overlooked, as it can take a toll on physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life.
Insomnia, a widespread and disruptive sleep disorder affecting over a third of the global population, is characterised by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or returning to sleep after waking during the night.
The good news is that simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference.
Alongside these, both conventional and non-conventional approaches—or a blend of the two—offer effective ways to manage insomnia and improve sleep quality.
If you’re looking for better sleep, Chinese Medicine offers a natural, sustainable approach that supports your long-term well-being. For tailored advice, visit our clinic in Camden, London, or get free online health advice.
How can we help?
Recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as an effective method for managing insomnia, Chinese Medicine offers a safe, time-tested approach to addressing sleep disorders. Whether used on its own or alongside conventional methods, Chinese Medicine provides a low-risk, highly effective option for improving sleep quality. Regular sessions can help reduce dependence on sleep medications and their side effects, promoting long-term, restorative sleep.
A large-scale study by Cao et al. (2009) demonstrated how Chinese Medicine supports better sleep by stimulating the nervous system and boosting the release of serotonin. This vital neurotransmitter helps regulate sleep patterns, reduces stress, and improves emotional well-being, creating the foundation for a healthier, more restful life.
With its tailored and holistic approach, Chinese Medicine works to balance the body from within, helping to promote restful sleep and enhance overall well-being.
How quickly will you see results?
We usually recommend allowing 4–6 weeks to start seeing meaningful changes.
Chinese Medicine isn’t a quick fix—it’s a gentle, cumulative process that builds with consistency and regular care.
That said, many clients feel calmer and more relaxed after just one acupuncture session—some even drift off to sleep during treatment. Both Chinese Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture offer lasting benefits without side effects or reliance on sleep medications.
Your Chinese Medicine physician will work with you to create a personalised plan that fits your needs and supports your journey to better sleep.
About Insomnia
Insomnia is a disruptive sleep disorder that can significantly affect quality of life. It’s characterised by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, frequent night-time wakings, or waking too early and being unable to go back to sleep.
Insomnia can stem from various physical and emotional factors, including:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Excessive caffeine
- Nicotine or alcohol use
- Poor sleep hygiene
- Inconsistent sleep schedules
- Medical conditions
- Side effects from medications
Insomnia is typically categorised based on its duration, cause, and how it affects sleep:
- Acute Insomnia: Also known as adjustment insomnia, this short-term form typically lasts a few days to weeks and is often linked to stressful events, physical discomfort, jet lag, or environmental factors like noise or light.
- Chronic Insomnia: Occurring three or more nights a week for at least a month, this type can be:
- Primary (Idiopathic) Insomnia: No clear underlying health or mental health condition.
- Secondary (Comorbid) Insomnia: The most common type, associated with other conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, or depression.
- Onset Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep, often tied to stress, anxiety, or poor lifestyle habits.
- Maintenance Insomnia: Trouble staying asleep, waking too early, or struggling to get back to sleep, frequently linked to medical conditions like asthma, depression, or restless leg syndrome.
Quality sleep is essential for overall well-being. Chronic insomnia can lead to irritability, exhaustion, headaches, digestive issues, mood disturbances, and impaired cognitive function.
Short-term insomnia can often be improved with lifestyle changes, like better sleep hygiene or managing stress. However, when insomnia is persistent or tied to other conditions, seeking help through conventional or less conventional approaches can restore sleep quality and improve life significantly in a relatively short period.
Western Medicine View
In Western medicine, insomnia doesn’t have a single, definitive cause.
Instead, it’s often linked to a combination of physical and mental health issues that require thorough investigation and management.
Conventional approaches to insomnia primarily focus on managing symptoms. Acute insomnia is often addressed with over-the-counter sleep aids or by reducing stress. Chronic insomnia and other sleep disorders are typically treated with prescription medications such as sleeping pills or antidepressants.
While these medications can provide quick relief, they often come with significant drawbacks, including side effects and a risk of dependency, making it harder to sleep naturally without their use. For this reason, sleeping pills are generally recommended as temporary solutions to be used while underlying issues are identified and addressed.
Chinese Medicine View
In Chinese Medicine, insomnia is more than just sleepless nights—it’s seen as a disruption in the delicate balance of Yin and Yang, the two opposing forces that govern the body’s natural rhythms. Yin, representing coolness, nourishment, and rest, rules the night, while Yang, associated with warmth, energy, and alertness, takes charge during the day.
When this balance is thrown off, the body struggles to transition between activity and rest, leading to sleep issues.
Sleep disorders in Chinese Medicine often point to imbalances in key organ systems such as:
- Heart ZF
- Spleen ZF
- Stomach ZF
- Liver ZF
- Kidney ZF.
The goal of Chinese Medicine is to restore harmony within these systems while rebalancing Yin and Yang, calming the mind, and soothing the body—unlocking the potential for deep, restorative sleep.
A Chinese Medicine practitioner takes a personalised approach, identifying your unique insomnia pattern and its underlying causes. From there, they craft a tailored plan, often blending acupuncture, customised herbal remedies, and lifestyle adjustments to realign your body’s natural rhythms and help you achieve lasting, peaceful sleep.
Lifestyle Advice
We all know how essential good sleep is—and how draining poor sleep can be, especially over time. Making small, intentional changes to your daily habits can significantly improve your sleep quality and help you get back to restful nights.
Here are some tips to try:
- Consider Melatonin Supplements: Melatonin can help regulate your sleep cycle, but it’s essential to consult your doctor or Chinese Medicine physician before taking any supplements. Too much melatonin can disrupt your sleep pattern and cause side effects like nausea or headaches.
- Limit Alcohol, Caffeine, and Refined Sugar: These are notorious for interfering with sleep patterns, so cutting back can make a big difference.
- Exercise Regularly: Morning workouts are best, as they align with your body’s natural cortisol rise, helping energise you for the day while promoting easier sleep at night.
- Practice Relaxation Techniques: Meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can help calm your mind and reduce stress, both of which are key contributors to insomnia.
- Stick to a Sleep Schedule: A consistent bedtime and wake-up routine can stabilise your sleep cycle.
- Wind Down Before Bed: Spend an hour relaxing with calming activities.
- Take a Warm Epsom Salt Bath: This can relax your muscles and help you drift off.
- Adjust Your Sleep Environment: Dim the lights, turn off devices that emit blue light, and set a comfortable room temperature.
- Play Calming Music: Gentle tunes can help ease you into a restful state.
It takes time to build new habits, but with consistent effort and the right support, you can improve your sleep, reduce stress, and restore your overall health.
For personalised advice, our CMIR-registered physicians, with extensive Western medical training, are here to help.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch!
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Luo ZP et al. [Clinical observation of ear-acupressure treatment of insomnia.] Heilongjiang Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1993, (1):45-48 [in Chinese].
Zhang XF. [Ear acupressure in the treatment of insomnia]. Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 1993, 13(6):297-298 [in Chinese].
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