What to eat for insomnia

Written by Pang Ji Cheng
Psychiatry and Psychology
Updated on September 15, 2024
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Insomnia is a relatively common clinical condition, so it is important to avoid spicy and greasy foods in the diet, and consume fresh vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins. Additionally, when insomnia becomes severe, benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic drugs or short-acting sedatives can be taken to help patients enter sleep quickly. Furthermore, during insomnia, it is also important to notice if the patient has any other psychiatric symptoms. If there are accompanying psychiatric symptoms, sedative-hypnotic, anti-anxiety, antidepressant, or antipsychotic drugs can be taken to improve the patient's sleep condition. (Note: The above drugs should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Liu Yong
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Can Qi deficiency cause insomnia?

Qi deficiency can cause insomnia. Symptoms of qi deficiency include loss of appetite, nausea, dizziness, tinnitus, insomnia, frequent dreaming, abdominal bloating, and diarrhea, leading to a decreased immune response and reduced resistance in the body. It is possible to take some Chinese herbal medicines that replenish qi and blood, such as ginseng, astragalus, and schisandra. (Medication should be taken according to medical advice.) It is important to maintain a light diet, keep a cheerful mood, and avoid spicy and highly stimulating foods. Consuming chicken, beef, and pork to supplement qi and blood can be beneficial. Try to avoid getting frustrated.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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How to treat anxiety and insomnia?

The patient is experiencing anxiety and insomnia, and the following treatment methods are recommended. Firstly, it is crucial for the patient to pay attention to psychological adjustment, maintain a pleasant mood, keep a good mindset, and communicate more with others, which can achieve very good effects. Secondly, it is essential to develop one's hobbies, engage in more outdoor sports, which can divert one's attention, significantly reduce anxiety, and also improve insomnia. Thirdly, long-term anxiety and insomnia can have adverse effects on the body. It is possible to take benzodiazepine drugs, which help with sleep and can also counteract anxiety, and should be taken under a doctor's advice. Finally, if the patient's anxiety is very pronounced, it is necessary to see a psychologist for treatment and take some anti-anxiety medication.

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Written by Huo Ze Jun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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What are the causes of insomnia?

Insomnia refers to difficulty in falling asleep or waking up early, which affects work the next day. There are many causes of insomnia, such as environmental factors, some medications, and some diseases, such as chronic diseases, which may cause insomnia in patients. It is also somewhat related to the patient's personality. From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, the main reasons for insomnia include the following: The first is Yin deficiency and excessive fire. The heart is associated with fire and the kidneys with water. If the heart's fire is too strong and the kidney's water is insufficient, it can cause insomnia. Additionally, patients with damp-heat conditions can also experience insomnia because too much damp-heat can disturb the mind and lead to insomnia. Moreover, some patients have excessive liver and gallbladder fire and a quick temper, which can also lead to insomnia. Another group of patients has both heart and spleen deficiencies; if both the heart and spleen are deficient in blood, it can result in insufficient nourishment for the mind's blood, ultimately leading to insomnia. Thus, patients with both heart and spleen deficiencies can suffer from insomnia.

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Written by Liu Shi Xiang
Neurology
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How to treat insomnia caused by excessive brain excitement?

If the issue is short-term brain excitement and insomnia, treatment should involve interventions in lifestyle and adjustments in sleeping habits. Firstly, the patient needs to establish a regular routine, going to bed and getting up at fixed times. Secondly, before bedtime, it is advisable to avoid consuming stimulant drinks like strong tea, coffee, alcohol, and also to refrain from engaging in excessive physical activities within two hours before sleep. If the condition of brain excitement and insomnia persists for an extended period, it might be necessary to use sedative-hypnotic medications to alleviate symptoms. Commonly used sedative-hypnotic drugs in clinical settings include zopiclone, eszopiclone, estazolam, melatonin, among others. Through these treatments, symptoms of insomnia in most patients can be improved. If the symptoms continue unabated, it may be necessary to consider whether the patient might also be suffering from anxiety or depressive disorders affecting their sleep. In such cases, an evaluation with the Hamilton Anxiety and Depression Scale can be conducted to determine. If such conditions are present, treatment with anti-anxiety and anti-depression medications, such as citalopram, may be administered.

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Written by Qiu Xin Hui
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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How to treat insomnia due to insufficient Qi and blood?

When physical symptoms of qi and blood deficiency and signs of insomnia appear, patients are likely to exhibit symptoms such as fatigue, breathlessness, spontaneous sweating, and pale complexion. At this time, it is necessary to promptly regulate the body. You can eat more foods or medicines that replenish qi and nourish the blood. It is recommended to use Astragalus, Codonopsis, Angelica Sinensis, and Goji berries to simmer a pigeon soup, and also add some calming herbs such as lotus seeds and lily. Among these, Astragalus and Codonopsis help replenish qi; Angelica Sinensis and Goji berries nourish the yin and enrich the blood; pigeon meat itself is rich in nutrients and has benefits such as warming yang, strengthening the kidneys, enhancing qi, and nourishing the blood. Combined together, these can effectively improve the symptoms of insomnia caused by qi and blood deficiency. (Note: Use of specific medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)