Q Why does insomnia happen? The moment I lie down, my thoughts spiral and I can't fall asleep at all.
A When conditions that keep the brain aroused—stress, anxiety, depression—accumulate, the brain ignores the signals that should bring on sleep. Poor sleep hygiene, chronic pain, and hormonal changes are also major causes.
Detailed Answer
The core mechanism of insomnia is hyperarousal. When stress, anxiety, or depression persist, the sympathetic nervous system stays active even at night, keeping the brain in alert mode, while melatonin secretion is suppressed so the very signal to fall asleep weakens. Add strong light exposure late at night, irregular bedtimes, and caffeine or alcohol, and the internal sleep clock breaks down further. Physical conditions such as chronic pain or thyroid problems also frequently trigger insomnia.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
At Dongjedang, we view sleep disorders as Heart-Gallbladder Deficiency (simdam-heogeop)—a state in which the energy of the Heart and Gallbladder is depleted, so the mind becomes anxious at the slightest stimulus and thoughts spiral, preventing sleep. As vital energy is consumed and Spleen qi weakens, even more thoughts and worries arise, creating a vicious cycle. We address the root cause by tonifying Heart and Gallbladder energy and calming the mind.
Related FAQs
-
Q
Can I return to natural sleep without sleeping pills? Sleeping without medication has been my dream for so long.
#Possibility / Realistic Goals
-
Q
I'm in my 70s. Will Korean Medicine treatment for a sleep disorder be effective? I'm not sure whether less sleep with age is normal or an illness.
#Possibility / Realistic Goals
-
Q
I'm being treated for depression and an anxiety disorder, and I also have insomnia. Can I receive psychiatric treatment and Korean Medicine treatment at the same time?
#Comorbidities
-
Q
I can't sleep at night because of chronic pain (back and joints). Which comes first—the pain or the sleep disorder?
#Comorbidities
-
Q
Even after getting into bed, I look at my smartphone and 1–2 hours pass. Is sleep hygiene really that important?
#Lifestyle Management