Bridging Eastern & Western Medicine
How MBR Practitioners Can Help You Overcome Insomnia and Enjoy a Good Night’s Sleep
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The Impact of Insomnia on Your Quality of Life
The sleep disturbances, which include trouble initiating sleep, a lack of deep sleep, or frequent awakenings during the night, can significantly impact your daily life, leading to fatigue and diminished concentration. Presently, approximately 30% of adults suffer from insomnia, with an even higher prevalence of 59.6% among the elderly population. Prolonged sleep deprivation and increased sympathetic nervous system activity can contribute to the development of various health issues, including cardiovascular disease, arrhythmia, and hypertension.
The repercussions of sleep deprivation extend beyond physical symptoms like digestive problems and muscle aches; they also encompass psychological and emotional issues such as fatigue, anxiety, and tension. Insomnia disrupts the secretion of melatonin, a vital hormone regulating sleep. Serotonin is typically produced during the daytime and converted into melatonin at night. Consequently, insomnia results in reduced melatonin levels, leading to a corresponding decrease in serotonin levels. This deficiency in sleep-related hormones can result in impulsive behavior, depression, and impaired decision-making.
Experiencing Discomfort and a Mild Fever While Sleeping
Struggling to Maintain Continuous Sleep, Frequently Waking Up
Difficulty Falling Asleep, Taking Over 30 Minutes to Drift Off
Waking Up Feeling Foggy and Fatigued
Experiencing Short-Term Memory Loss
Lacking Energy and Dealinf with Depressive Feelings
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Causes of Insomnia
Short-term insomnia, typically lasting up to four weeks, often arises from abrupt factors such as sudden stress, anxiety, a rapid decline in physical well-being post-surgery, or mental trauma stemming from unexpected accidents.
Other contributing factors encompass disruptions in sleep patterns due to alterations in one’s sleeping or working environment, as well as the consumption of caffeine-containing beverages like coffee or tea before bedtime.
Chronic insomnia may be rooted in mental health issues such as depression.
For women, hormonal fluctuations before and after menstruation, as well as during menopause, can trigger episodes of insomnia.
Among the elderly population, causes of insomnia may include conditions like dementia and chronic pain.
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MBR’s Holistic Approach for Insomnia
Traditional medicine treatment involves a comprehensive approach to addressing insomnia. It includes an analysis of the patient’s sleep environment and habits, an assessment of their mental and physical health, and the utilization of acupuncture and moxibustion treatments to stabilize the mind while rectifying any organ and bowel imbalances.
In the early stages of insomnia, acupuncture treatments often yield promising therapeutic effects in a short time frame. However, patients with chronic insomnia may not experience improvement through general lifestyle management alone. For these individuals, a combined approach that incorporates acupuncture and MBR herbal medicine treatment can offer significant benefits. We also provide guidance on lifestyle improvement, sleep habits, and dietary choices.
MBR acupuncture, moxibustion, and cupping techniques are employed to stimulate nerves in the brain. Acupuncture points activate brain nerves and enhance blood circulation in the organs, thereby improving sleep disorders.
The use of MBR herbal medicines in the treatment of insomnia promotes natural sleep and addresses imbalances in yin and yang, external and internal factors, hot and cold tendencies, as well as excess and deficiency patterns contributing to insomnia. This approach not only promotes better sleep but also enhances overall health. Following treatment, patients can expect improved sleep quality and an overall enhancement in their personal well-being, making MBR herbal medicine treatment a valuable choice for addressing insomnia.
Acupuncture
MBR Treatment
Herbal Medicine
Tui Na
Cupping
Lifestyle Coaching
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Symptoms Associated with Insomnia
Insomnia presents itself primarily through disrupted sleep patterns. It can result in a range of associated symptoms, including a reduced appetite, general discomfort, diminished attention and concentration, headaches, and digestive issues. Furthermore, this sleep disorder can weaken the immune system, elevating the risk of physical ailments. In severe cases, insomnia may lead to profound confusion, loss of emotional control, self-destructive tendencies, hallucinations, and delusions. Individuals grappling with insomnia often report symptoms such as feverish sensations, a pounding chest, breathlessness, anxiety, and frustration. Some individuals may experience additional symptoms like cold sweats, chilled extremities, and a sense of weakness. However, others may not manifest significant physical symptoms but instead suffer from digestive problems. Additionally, some individuals may resort to excessive drinking or overeating as coping mechanisms.
Which Type Do You Belong To?
Types of Insomnia
Stress-related Insomnia
The most prevalent form of insomnia is stress-induced. When it comes to treatment, it is crucial to consider digestion and fluctuations in weight as key distinguishing factors. Individuals with a slender physique may experience weight loss or encounter digestive issues when exposed to stress.
Menopause-related Insomnia
Insomnia affects 30 to 50 percent of menopausal women, and effective treatment involves addressing the specific menopausal symptoms. It’s worth noting that menopausal symptoms can also manifest in men.
🥵 Hot Flushes Type: Individuals experiencing hot flushes before bedtime often suffer from sleep disturbances.
💓 Palpitation Type: Patients with palpitations, possibly stemming from issues like Heart Blood deficiency or Heart Yin deficiency, may encounter sleep problems.
😞 Depression Type: Patients dealing with depression should consider holistic treatment for both their mental and physical well-being. Melatonin, essential for sleep, converts to serotonin during the day, aiding in the management of depression. Adequate sleep plays a significant role in improving depressive symptoms.
Aging-related Insomnia
In the elderly population, insomnia can arise from insufficient Qi and blood.
🏃 Active Individuals During the Daytime: Those who remain active during the day may require measures to nourish bodily fluids.
🪑 Inactive Individuals During the Daytime: People who lack daytime energy and activity may experience nighttime sleep difficulties. Therefore, it is advisable to focus on energy-boosting treatments.
🌜 Nocturnal Urination: Individuals who experience frequent nighttime urination may suffer from insomnia as a result. Addressing and treating the underlying issue of nocturnal urination is recommended.
🤐 Decreased Appetite: A weakened spleen and stomach function can lead to a loss of appetite, necessitating strengthening of the spleen and stomach to enhance Qi and blood.
Nightmare-related Insomnia
When dealing with a muscle-type jaw joint problem, the use of a Meridian Balance Balance Restoration (MBR) Appliance may not be required, as myofascial treatment or manual therapy should suffice.
However, for cases of TMJ disorders involving jaw joint disc problems, jaw opening deviations, inflammation of the jaw joint, or for addressing the jaw joint syndrome, MBR becomes essential.
Insomnia Linked to Mental Disorders
😞 Depression: Depression is characterized by persistent feelings of profound sadness lasting for more than two weeks and significantly impacting daily life. Severe stress and various life challenges are the primary triggers for depression. Many individuals with depression commonly report experiencing insomnia.
😱 Panic Disorder: Panic disorder entails sudden and unexpected episodes of intense fear, falling under the umbrella of anxiety disorders. In specific situations, such as confined spaces or crowded environments, individuals with panic disorder may encounter abrupt symptoms like difficulty breathing, cold sweats, chest or abdominal pain, bodily weakness, or a racing heart. This condition is typically a result of severe stress and often necessitates long-term treatment.
Six Stages of Bell’s Palsy
House-Brackmann Grading System
Create a Relaxing Environment
Minimize noise and ensure a comfortable temperature and lighting in your bedroom. Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, with a particular emphasis on keeping your wake-up time constant.
Avoid Napping
If you must nap, limit it to no more than 15 minutes and schedule it between 1 pm to 3 pm.
Get Sunlight Exposure
Spend time outdoors during the daytime to promote serotonin synthesis. About 20 minutes of sunlight exposure or 40 minutes of exercise that causes sweating each day can help regulate your sleep. A light walk in the evening is also beneficial, but avoid late-night exercise.
Watch Your Diet
Steer clear of caffeine, alcohol, and smoking, as they can disrupt your sleep patterns. Alcohol may initially induce drowsiness but can lead to early awakenings. Avoid heavy, spicy meals before bedtime, and stay adequately hydrated to prevent nighttime thirst.
Manage Stress
Reduce excessive stress and tension by practicing relaxation techniques such as stretching, deep breathing, and meditation, which can contribute to better sleep.
Screen Time
Refrain from using your smartphone, reading books, or watching TV in bed to signal to your body that it’s time to sleep.
Efficient Sleep Routine
If you can’t fall asleep within 20 to 30 minutes after going to bed, get up and return to bed when you feel drowsy. Avoid lying in bed for extended periods without sleeping, as this can increase tension and make it even harder to fall asleep.