Contents
Insomnia – Complementary Approaches
These approaches should not be used long term, but rather occasionally. To overcome insomnia, it is better to tackle its cause directly.
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Processing | ||
Biofeedback, melatonin (against jet lag), extended-release melatonin (Circadin®, against insomnia), music therapy, yoga | ||
Acupuncture, light therapy, melatonin (against insomnia), tai chi | ||
Relaxation response | ||
Chinese Pharmacopoeia | ||
German chamomile, hops, lavender, lemon balm, valerian |
biofeedback. Review of non-pharmacological treatments for insomnia highlights effectiveness of biofeedback in treating insomnia9. Of the 9 studies analyzed, only 2 did not show better therapeutic effects than a placebo. The effect of biofeedback would be comparable to that obtained using conventional relaxation procedures. It is perhaps for this reason that, for the past fifteen years, the number of clinical trials on this subject has been decreasing: biofeedback requires more time than relaxation without presenting appreciable advantages.9.
Insomnia – Complementary approaches: understand everything in 2 min
Melatonin. Melatonin, also known as the “sleep hormone”, is a hormone produced by the pineal gland. It is secreted in the absence of light (normally during the night), and it prompts the body to rest. It is largely involved in the regulation of wakefulness and sleep cycles.
Two reviews of studies concluded that melatonin clearly helps prevent or reduce the effects of jet lag5,34. The effectiveness of the treatment is most pronounced when traveling east through 5 or more time zones. It is very important to take melatonin at the right time, otherwise the effects of jet lag may worsen (see all details in the Melatonin sheet).
Dosage
While traveling, take 3 to 5 mg at bedtime at destination, until sleep cycle is restored (2 to 4 days).
In addition, in 2007, the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (Europe) approved the product Circadin®, which contains extended-release melatonin, for the short-term treatment of insomnia in the elderly 55 years old and plus35. The effect, however, would be modest.
Dosage
Take 2 mg, 1 to 2 hours before bedtime. This medication is obtained by prescription in Europe only.
Music therapy. The calming effects of soft music (instrumental or sung, recorded or live) have been observed at all ages of life10-15 ,36. According to the results of clinical studies conducted with the elderly, music therapy may facilitatefalling asleep, decrease the number of awakenings, improve the quality of sleep and increase its duration and efficiency. However, further studies need to be done to validate these promising results.
Yoga. A few scientific studies focusing specifically on the effects of yoga on sleep have been published. A preliminary study found that practicing yoga would improve quality of sleep subjects with chronic insomnia37. Other studies38-40 , relating to the elderly, indicate that the practice of yoga would have a positive effect on their quality of sleep, on the time to fall asleep and on the total number of hours of sleep.
Acupuncture. So far, the majority of studies have been done in China. In 2009, a systematic review of clinical studies including a total of 3 subjects indicated that acupuncture generally has greater beneficial effects than no treatment.29. Regarding the average sleep time, the effect of acupuncture was similar to that of drugs for insomnia. To better assess the effectiveness of acupuncture, it will be necessary to conduct randomized trials with placebo.
Light therapy. Exposing yourself to white, so-called full-spectrum light on a daily basis, could help reduce problems with insomnia related to a circadian rhythm disorder (jet lag, night work), according to various studies16-20 . Other research indicates that light therapy may also benefit people who experience insomnia for other reasons21-24 . Light plays a fundamental role in the regulation of circadian rhythms. When it enters the eye, it acts on the production of various hormones involved in the wake and sleep cycles and having an effect on mood. The standard treatment evaluated in clinical trials is light exposure of 10 lux for 000 minutes daily. For more information, see our Light Therapy sheet.
melatonin. When melatonin is used to treatinsomnia, all the evidence points to a reduction in time to fall asleep (the latency time). However, with regard to the period and the exceptional of sleep, improvement is modest at best6,7. This treatment is only effective if the person’s melatonin level is low.
Dosage
Take 1 to 5 mg 30 minutes to 1 hour before bedtime. The optimal dosage is not established, as it has varied a lot over the course of the studies.
Tai-chi. In 2004, a randomized clinical study compared the effect of tai chi with certain relaxation techniques (stretching and breathing control) on the quality of sleep.25. One hundred and sixteen people over the age of 60 suffering from moderate sleep disorders participated, 3 times a week, for 6 months, in 1 hour tai chi or relaxation sessions. Participants in the tai chi group reported a decrease in the time it took to fall asleep (by 18 minutes on average), an increase in the duration of their sleep (by 48 minutes on average), as well as a reduction in their sleepiness. periods of daytime sleepiness.
Relaxation response. One hundred and thirteen individuals with insomnia participated in a study to test an insomnia program including the relaxation response30. Participants attended 7 group sessions over 10 weeks. They were taught the relaxation response, how to adopt a lifestyle that promotes better sleep, and how to gradually reduce their insomnia medication. They then practiced the relaxation response for 20 to 30 minutes per day for 2 weeks: 58% of patients reported that their sleep had improved considerably; 33%, that it had improved moderately; and 9%, that it had improved a little. In addition, 38% of patients completely stopped their medication, while 53% reduced it.
German chamomile (Matricaria recutita). Commission E recognizes the efficacy of German chamomile flowers in the treatment of minor insomnia caused by nervousness and restlessness.
Dosage
Make an infusion with 1 tbsp. (= table) (3 g) of dried flowers in 150 ml of boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes. Drink 3 or 4 times a day. The World Health Organization considers that a daily dose of 24 g is safe.
Hop (Humulus lupulus). Commission E and ESCOP recognize the effectiveness of hop strobiles in combating agitation, anxiety and sleeping troubles. The recognition of these therapeutic uses is essentially based on empirical knowledge: clinical trials on hops alone are non-existent. A few clinical trials have, however, used a preparation containing valerian and hops.
Dosage
Consult our Hops file.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). Commission E recognizes the effectiveness of lavender flower in treating insomnia, whether in the form of dried lavender or essential oil31. Some use theEssential oil as a massage oil, which it seems to help you relax and get to sleep. Also consult our Aromatherapy file.
Dosage
– Pour 2 to 4 drops of essential oil into a diffuser. If there is no diffuser, pour the essential oil into a large bowl of boiling water. Cover its head with a large towel and put it over the bowl, then suck in the vapors that emerge. Do the inhalation at bedtime.
– Before bedtime, apply 5 drops of lavender essential oil on the forearms and the solar plexus (in the center of the abdomen, between the breastbone and the navel).
melissa (Melissa officinalis). This plant has long been used as an infusion to treat mild disorders of the nervous system, including irritability and insomnia. Commission E and ESCOP recognize its medicinal properties for this use when taken internally. Herbalists often use lemon balm in combination with valerian to treat mild insomnia.
Dosage
Infuse 1,5 to 4,5 g of dried lemon balm leaves in 250 ml of boiling water and take 2 or 3 times a day.
Notes. The active ingredients of lemon balm being volatile, the infusion of the dried leaves must be done in a closed container; otherwise, it is better to use fresh leaves.
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis). Valerian root has traditionally been used to treat insomnia and anxiety. Commission E agrees that this herb helps treat nervous agitation and related sleep disturbances. Its sedative effects are also recognized by the World Health Organization. However, the numerous clinical trials undertaken to validate this use have given mixed, even contradictory, results.
Dosage
Consult our Valériane file.
Chinese Pharmacopoeia. There are several traditional preparations that can be used in cases of insomnia or restless sleep: An Mian Pian, Gui Pi Wan, Suan Zao Ren Wan (the seed of the jujube tree), Tian Wang Bu Xin Wan, Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan. Consult the sheets of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia section and the Jujube file. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, schisandra berries (dried red berries) and reishi (a mushroom) are also used to treat insomnia.