Insomnia refers to difficulty sleeping or sleeping satisfactorily. This difficulty includes not being able to sleep at all, trouble getting to sleep, waking up in the night with difficulty returning to sleep, unrefreshing sleep and/or waking up too early in the morning. Also, sleep problems can be short-term, lasting a few days or weeks, or chronic, lasting for several months or more. The problem might last a short while and be the result of some situational factor such as anxiety over a big test. Or, insomnia can be long-lasting and more serious. If insomnia persists and the loss of sleep begins to interfere with a person's ability to function during the day, the condition could require professional treatment. People with insomnia can experience fatigue, lack of energy, morning headaches, poor concentration, loss of productivity and irritability.

Symtoms of insomnia include trouble falling, as well as staying asleep, feeling tired after waking up, feeling tired and sleepy during the day. Additionally, insomnia sufferers may also experience the feeling of anxiousness and irritability, as well as headaches and difficulty concentrating during the day.

Causes:

Psychological causes include anxiety, stress, depression, and poor sleep. Physical causes incluce Hormonal changes, decreased melatonin, pain, and genetics. Other causes such as life style changes, irregular work schedules, medications, caffeine, and alcohol may cause insomnia.

Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Treatment for Insomnia:

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine aim to treat insomnia by restoring yin-yang harmony and a balanced state of mind. Acupuncture for insomnia is adapted to the pattern of each individual. When you receive an acupuncture treatment, your nervous system begins to calm down. The acupuncture needles are doing deep work by unraveling your subconscious stresses, balancing your Qi, and releasing the causes of your insomnia. You may even fall asleep on the treatment table. You should sleep the best the first night after an acupuncture treatment; however, several days later symptoms of your insomnia may start to return. This is in indication that you should receive your acupuncture treatment for insomnia more frequently. It usually takes several acupuncture treatments to fully resolve chronic insomnia. Chinese herbal medicine is often recommended to those who have suffered long time. With tailored (individually prescribed) herbal medicine taken daily, patients usually find their sleep improved quicker and stayed.