Trouble Falling Asleep vs Waking in the Night – Understanding Different Types of Insomnia

When people speak of insomnia, it is important to understand how that might manifest for the person, which is why when you see a medical herbalist they will spend a significant amount of time understanding what shape insomnia takes for you and ask you questions on falling asleep, waking up, what time you wake up, and what might make it worse or better, as well as your normal night time routine. 

Trouble falling asleep is called sleep onset insomnia whilst waking in the night is called sleep maintenance insomnia.  Oftentimes, sleep onset insomnia can be caused by stress or anxiety, with circulating thoughts, a disrupted circadian rhythm or poor sleep hygiene.  Sleep maintenance insomnia can be caused by pain, underlying conditions such as GERD, hyperthyroidism, stress, hormonal reasons or other reasons.  When you see a herbalist, they will likely you ask you questions about what time of night you wake up as that make help them understand likely causes and effectively treat you.

A herbalist will craft a blend that is specific to your case of insomnia and you as a person. For example, some people respond very well to valerian as a powerfully relaxing herb, but other people find it too stimulating. This is something that can be discussed with your herbalist and the blend can be adjusted if this is the case.  Herbs have specific actions and a herbalist may blend one that has a mixture of actions to support you. For example, ashwaghanda and reishi are both herbs that might be suitable to include for someone with insomnia, but their action is more adaptogenic rather than a sedative.  Other herbs might be supportive around other areas of insomnia, like motherwort for sleep palpitations or schisandra for circadian rhythm disruption.  There are some herbs that are classed as relaxants/sedatives/nervines which are particularly indicated for insomnia such as California poppy and passionflower but it is important to always see a qualified herbalist to give you a tailored and safe recommendation as herbs can vary between gentle sleep support (which is important, don’t discount chamomille!) to stronger sedative herbs.

Book an appointment with me for a personalised sleep consultation