Overcoming Insomnia to Achieve Peaceful, Quality Sleep

Insomnia is a very common complaint from many of my clients between the ages of 30 to 60 years. I have several success stories with helping people get a good night sleep on an ongoing basis.

Sleep is restorative on so many levels and when you do not get a minimum of 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night, the body is less than happy!

Not getting enough sleep can cause such symptoms as:

• lack of energy
• lack of focus
• irritability and anxiousness
• impaired immune system
• inability to deal with stress
• headaches and body aches
• other nagging health conditions

Why does insomnia occur?

Insomnia can mean you have trouble falling asleep, your sleep is easily disturbed by light or sound, or you experience very restless, agitated or dream-disturbed sleep.

Your sleep can be impacted by many different things: pain, hormonal imbalances, digestive or cardiovascular disorders, anxiety and depression, medications with side effects of sleeplessness, and difficulty quieting your mind when preparing for sleep,

Stimulating food and drink including spicy foods, heavy meats, rich sauces, alcohol and caffeine in the evening can also impact the quality of your sleep. Stressful mental work and vigorous exercise in the evening also can cause insomnia.

Assessment and diagnosis

Traditional Chinese Medicine views almost all sleep disorders as an imbalance stemming from either a deficiency or a surplus of qi in body organs.

I will look for, and correct, any problems that are occurring with your:

• liver which can be disrupted by excessive stress and/or anger, fatty foods and alcohol. The liver needs to perform 500 functions a day and this requires 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night.
• spleen which can be affected by a poor diet, late-night eating and excessive worry and over-thinking
• kidney which is impacted by anxiety and fear and overworking.

There are three major physical ingredients that are required to achieve a restful, restorative sleep:

1. Cell surface receptors, such as neurotransmitters, peptides and steroids, play a vital role in addressing cellular functions and requirements.
2. Sufficient fuel or glucose is needed to allow the brain and body to rest. This involves glyconeonesis, which is performed in the liver.
3. A healthy gut to be able to store the seratonin, which metabolizes into the hormone melatonin (known to help regulate the sleep cycle).

Treatment

My experience with Traditional Chinese Medicine, herbal remedies, acupuncture and the Neurolink system allows me to address the underlying causes that are preventing you from achieving a restful, restorative sleep.
The treatment I provide to you is always individualized and targets not only your insomnia but your overall health as well.

I can also discuss ways that you can enhance the treatment I provide. Actions such as reducing or eliminating your intake of alcohol and caffeine (especially later in the evening), exercising daily, avoid working and thinking about heavier matters late into the evening, and incorporating relaxation techniques such as yoga into your life – will also help get you on your way to a rejuvenating night of sleep.

Next Steps

I have helped many people overcome their insomnia and to discuss how I can help you, please call me at 604-264-9921 at my Vancouver clinic to schedule a private and confidential consultation.

I look forward to helping you attain a clear mind, light heart and balanced body!

Carla Wiseman DTCM, R.Ac, RMT, Vancouver