I have been witnessing many clients who are not having restful sleeps. There are three types of sleep disturbances:

1.  If you find you are having difficulties turning your mind off before falling asleep, take a look at your digestion. In TCM terms the relationship between your Heart and your Spleen is Depleted in QI.   Have you been eating too many foods that are sweet or difficult to digest?  Are you eating too late in the evening, or not enough to settle your soul?  Ensure you eat your grains and greens (steamed!) to regulate your system.  As well, practice observing your breath and all sensations in your body as you drift off.

2. If you wake up throughout the night and/or have night sweats, you are Yin Deficient (dehydrated) .  Drink more water than you think you need, eat oils like avocado, flax, fish and vit.E.

3. If you are waking early in the a.m. and you are unable to turn your mind off, take a break from the stresses of your  life!  Stress and anxiety have taken over.  This is due to the Qi Deficiency between your Heart and GallBladder.  Meditate before bed, take time to exercise and talk about your stress and list of things you have to do.  Plan on getting one thing done from your list per day. Write out your list for tomorrow before bed and put it away until you wake up refreshed.

Acupuncture is helpful for all three types of insomnia.  Please come in to the office if you would like the extra sedation and balancing.