Home remedies for insomnia using herbs found around the house.

According to Traditional Medicine Practitioner Le Xuan Hai of the Dong Da District Traditional Medicine Association (Hanoi), in Traditional Chinese Medicine, insomnia is called "that mien," stemming from causes such as deficiency of the heart and spleen, kidney yin deficiency, or liver qi stagnation. These disorders make it difficult for patients to fall asleep, sleep lightly, and wake up easily, thereby significantly affecting their work and daily lives.

Many people mistakenly believe that insomnia is just a temporary symptom that doesn't require treatment. However, prolonged insomnia can lead to a range of consequences such as impaired memory, reduced concentration, psychological disorders, and even an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

The causes of insomnia can vary from person to person. Some people experience insomnia due to underlying medical conditions, while others develop it after psychological shocks or prolonged anxiety.

If left untreated, insomnia can become a chronic condition."Patients with chronic insomnia often fall into a state of depression, fatigue, unwillingness to work, and inability to concentrate."Traditional medicine practitioner Hai said.

For effective treatment, patients need to see a doctor to determine the specific cause. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, each type of illness has its own specific treatment, combining the principles of regulating qi and blood, calming the mind, and nourishing the heart.

For those suffering from insomnia due to liver qi stagnation, symptoms often include irritability, mental stress, anxiety, sadness, accompanied by headaches and dizziness. Traditional medicine practitioner Hai recommends using herbal remedies that soothe the liver, relieve stagnation, promote mental relaxation, and facilitate sleep.

Use 12g of Bupleurum chinense, 8g of Mentha arvensis, 8g of Atractylodes macrocephala, 12g of Poria cocos, 12g of Rehmannia glutinosa, 6g of Glycyrrhiza glabra, 3 dates, 1g of roasted ginger, 12g of Pinellia ternata, 6g of Citrus reticulata peel, 12g of Ophiopogon japonicus, and 8g of Scutellaria baicalensis. Add 5 bowls of water, decoct until 3 bowls remain, and divide into 3 doses to be taken throughout the day.

In patients with heart and spleen deficiency, common symptoms include prolonged insomnia, restless sleep, frequent dreams, rapid heartbeat, forgetfulness, fatigue in the limbs, and poor appetite. In these cases, herbal remedies that nourish the heart and spleen, enhance blood circulation, and stabilize the nervous system should be used.

Use 12g of Angelica sinensis, 12g of Rehmannia glutinosa, 12g of Ophiopogon japonicus, 16g of Atractylodes macrocephala, 16g of lotus seeds, 12g of Ziziphus jujuba seeds, 12g of Poria cocos, 4g of cinnamon bark, 12g of Codonopsis pilosula, 12g of Astragalus membranaceus, 4g of licorice, 3 jujubes, 4g of Saussurea costus, and 12g of longan. Add 5 bowls of water, decoct until 3 bowls remain, and divide into 3 doses to be taken throughout the day.

Another form of insomnia is due to kidney yin deficiency, characterized by anxiety, nervousness, internal heat, constipation, back pain, knee pain, dizziness, and vertigo. In this case, herbal remedies are needed to nourish kidney yin, reduce heat, calm the mind, and promote better sleep.

Use 20g of Rehmannia glutinosa, 12g of Dioscorea opposita, 12g of Alisma orientalis, 12g of Ophiopogon japonicus, 12g of Achyranthes bidentata, 12g of Cornus officinalis, 10g of Paeonia lactiflora, 12g of Poria cocos, and 12g of Poria cocos. Add 5 bowls of water, decoct until 3 bowls remain, and divide into 3 doses to be taken throughout the day. Those using this remedy should avoid spicy and hot foods, and refrain from eating cold foods.

Traditional medicine practitioner Hai noted that, in addition to medication, patients need to adjust their lifestyle to support treatment. A calm mind is crucial for good sleep – that is, maintaining a relaxed state of mind and minimizing stress and anxiety. Patients should eat a balanced diet, maintain a regular schedule, and avoid strenuous activity in the evening. Instead, they should read a book, listen to soothing music, or knit to relax their minds before bed.

Stimulants such as coffee, alcohol, and tobacco should also be eliminated from the lifestyle of those who suffer from insomnia. In particular, avoid drinking too much water in the evening to prevent waking up in the middle of the night, which disrupts sleep. Additionally, create a quiet sleeping environment, avoiding the use of phones, televisions, or computers in bed.

Traditional medicine practitioner Hai advises that patients should absolutely not self-medicate with sleeping pills because the risk of dependence is very high. When experiencing prolonged insomnia, seek medical advice and treatment to avoid unwanted consequences for both physical and mental health.