$6.95 USA Shipping • 90-Day Hassle-Free Returns

Home » Anxiety, Insomnia (Sleep) & Restlessness » Insomnia & Sleep

Insomnia & Sleep

Natural Remedies for Insomnia & Sleep Difficulties

From brain function and mood to digestion and energy, our bodies require quality sleep to stay in tune. Sadly, millions of Americans suffer from sleep disturbance each night. Conquering insomnia and other sleep issues is not an easy task, but it is possible with the help of Chinese medicine.  

Chinese Medicine Basics & Sleep Issues

There are many factors that can impact the quality of our sleep. In Chinese medicine, issues arising from an imbalance in the body, excess stress, or a lack of nourishment are often causes of sleep trouble. Insomnia and other sleep conditions can also be secondary to other conditions, like menopause, hormone imbalances, pain, and others.

Yin and Yang imbalance
Yin and yang must be in balance for the body to stay healthy. When they fall out of balance illness can occur. For some, this imbalance first affects sleep. For those with excess yang or not enough yin, the result tends towards insomnia or dream-disturbed sleep. The opposite problem (too much yin or insufficient yang) leads to somnolence, excess fatigue, lethargy, and drowsiness.

Chronic stress
Stress causes a host of health issues but may be most commonly associated with poor sleep. Stress and anxiety can prevent us from falling asleep or may wake us in the night. Over time, ongoing stress leads to hormone imbalance and a pattern of poor sleep.

Major Organ Systems in Chinese Medicine & Healthy Sleep:

Heart
Chinese medicine considers the Heart the home of the “shen” (our spirit, or mind) at night. To fall asleep, our shen must retreat into the Heart which allows for our unconscious sleep state. With an undernourished or irritated Heart system, the shen cannot retreat and we lay awake.

Liver
The Liver is often involved in sleep issues that involve stress or imbalanced emotions. Excessive drinking can also cause Liver-related sleep issues.

Common Insomnia Treatments in Chinese Medicine

In Chinese medicine, insomnia is very much a mind-body disorder. To combat the sleepless nights, a combination of herbal medicine, acupuncture, and diet and lifestyle change are recommended. Acupuncture is used to reduce stress, calm the mind, and encourage a healthy circadian rhythm. It can also be helpful to address other underlying issues (like pain, hot flashes, anxiety, or digestive upset) causing the sleep disturbance. Diets rich in spicy or heavy foods can often cause sleep issues. Alcohol should be minimized. Exercise is also a helpful daily habit for encouraging a restful night.

Chinese Herbal Formulas for Insomnia and Sleep Conditions

Chinese herbal medicine has a long track record of helping people sleep peacefully. Some of the earliest formulas for insomnia were written by the classical herbalist Zhang Zhong Jing around 210 AD. Today, many ancient formulas and their modern adaptations are used to help people overcome insomnia, night sweats, fatigue, and excessive dreaming.

Suan Zao Ren Wan: This formula addresses insomnia, with anxiety, irritability, restlessness, night sweats, vertigo, and dry mouth or throat. (Clinician’s note: clears deficient heat and calms Shen)

An Mien Pian: This formula clears heat, settles the Heart, and calms Shen; recommended for those with insomnia, vivid dreaming that disturbs sleep, palpitations, anxiety, and stress.

An Shui Wan: This formula combines most of the main “Calm Shen” herbs in the Chinese pharmacopeia with herbs that gently nourish the body, move/redistribute qi, and sedate heat to help greatly with insomnia, anxiety, palpitations, and restlessness.

Special Chinese Herbs for Sleep

The following are important herbs used in our popular formulas for sleep conditions.

Suan zao ren/ Jujube seed: Suan zao ren is known as a heart-nourishing herb. This herb is the basis for several formulas that combat insomnia and nightmares.

Zhi zi/ Gardenia fruit: Zhi zi is a cooling and sedating herb that is used in formulas that treat insomnia with the presence of excess heat (hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, nightmares).

He huan pi/ Mimosa bark: He huan pi is a gentle herb that is used in many popular sleep formulas to calm and relax the mind and encourage rest.

Shop our Collection of Chinese Medicine Remedies for Insomnia & Sleep Problems

The quality of your health relies on the quality of your sleep. Thankfully, Chinese herbal medicine offers many powerful remedies for a range of sleep conditions. Shop our collection of Chinese herbal formulas that fight insomnia and ensure a restful night’s sleep.

Articles Related To Category: Insomnia & Sleep

  • Best Chinese Herbs for Adrenal Fatigue
    Best Chinese Herbs for Adrenal Fatigue

    These days, trying to stay on top of a successful career, a clean home, a vibrant social life, and healthy habits can feel impossible. We burn the candle at both ends to try to have it all, which leaves many of us feeling burned out. As a result, conditions like adrenal fatigue are skyrocketing. Feeling…

  • Best Adaptogens for Sleep
    Best Adaptogens for Sleep

    Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for maintaining good health and performance. However, many people struggle to get the quality sleep they need. While several medications and supplements are available to improve sleep, adaptogens for sleep offer a natural and effective alternative. Adaptogens are a group of herbs and plants (many of them are…

  • Calm Shen – Treating Insomnia with Chinese Herbal Medicine
    Calm Shen – Treating Insomnia with Chinese Herbal Medicine

    CALM SHEN (category): In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shen refers to the spirit or the mind and has a multiplicity of connotations, to include: consciousness, vitality, awareness, mental function, and presence. The Shen (considered to be a physical substance—the most rarified form of Qi) resides in the Heart and blood vessels and is nourished directly by…

  • March is Sleep Awareness Month – Can Chinese Medicine Cure Insomnia
    March is Sleep Awareness Month – Can Chinese Medicine Cure Insomnia

    You’ve tried all kinds of tips, tricks, and even medications to try to help you fall asleep faster and longer, but nothing works. Can Chinese medicine cure insomnia? Instead of tossing and turning all night, it’s time to get help from herbal medicine. Read on to find out how you can use Chinese medicine to…