Sleep Disorders: Alternative Therapy
A health treatment that is not classified as standard western medical
practice is referred to as "alternative." Alternative therapy encompasses a
variety of disciplines that include everything from diet and exercise to mental
conditioning and lifestyle changes. Examples of alternative therapies include
acupuncture, guided imagery, yoga, hypnosis, biofeedback, aromatherapy,
relaxation, herbal remedies, massage and many others.
Complementary medicine is
essentially alternative medicine that is taken along with conventional
treatments.
Some complementary and alternative therapies used to treat insomnia
include supplements, acupuncture, relaxation and meditation, and exercise.
Supplements
Herbs
The effects of the root of valerian (Valeriana officinalis) on sleep
have been examined in people with sleep problems. Some studies have suggested
that valerian helps with the onset of sleep and with sleep maintenance. In one
study, valerian extract was found to be as effective as the antianxiety drug
Serax in patients with insomnia. However, more research is needed before a final
conclusion can be made about the safety and effectiveness of valerian for
insomnia.
Chamomile is another commonly used herb for the treatment of insomnia.
The FDA considers chamomile to be safe and the herb has no known adverse
effects.
Other herbs promoted as effective sleep remedies include passionflower,
hops, ginseng, lemon balm and skullcap. The German government has approved
certain herbs (valerian, hops and lemon balm) for the relief of sleep problems.
However, clinical studies to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of herbs are
scarce. More information is required before these herbs can be recommended as a
first line of treatment against insomnia.
Since herbal supplements can interact
with certain medications, always inform your health care provider if you are
using any herbal supplements.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone that is
synthesized by the pineal gland in humans and produced in animals as well as
plants. Although the effects of melatonin are complex and poorly understood, it
plays a critical role in the regulation of sleep-wake cycle and other circadian
rhythms. Melatonin has been studied as a possible treatment of circadian rhythm
disorders and may be helpful in decreasing sleep disturbances caused by jet lag.
Adverse effects of melatonin are minimal, but long-term studies examining
efficacy and toxicity of melatonin supplements are needed.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is often used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for the treatment of
insomnia. This procedure involves the insertion of very fine needles (sometimes
in combination with electrical stimulus or with heat produced by burning
specific herbs) into the skin at specific acupuncture points in order to
influence the functioning of the body. The results of recent preliminary
clinical trials of acupuncture have indicated improvements in sleep quality in
people with insomnia. However, additional research is required before the
effectiveness of acupuncture is proved conclusively for the relief of insomnia.
Relaxation and Meditation
Increased muscle tension and intrusive thoughts
interfere with sleep. Therefore, it is not surprising that techniques aimed at
relaxing muscles (progressive muscle relaxation and biofeedback) and quieting
the mind (meditation) have been found to be effective treatments for insomnia.
Most people can learn these techniques, but it usually takes several weeks
before they can sufficiently master the techniques well enough to help ease
insomnia. There is a growing body of evidence that supports the value of
meditation in treating insomnia. Several studies show that regular meditation
practice, either alone or as a part of Yoga practice, results in higher blood
levels of melatonin, an important regulator of sleep.
Exercise
Regular exercise
deepens sleep in young adults with or without sleep disorders. In addition,
several studies show that exercise can improve sleep in older adults. Recent
studies show that even the low-to-moderate Tai Chi and Tibetan Yoga practices
enhance sleep quality in older persons and cancer patients with sleep problems,
respectively.
Points to Consider
Alternative therapies are not always benign. As
mentioned, some herbal therapies can interact with other medications you may be
taking. Consider the following points before starting alternative therapy.
- Always talk to your doctor before trying an
alternative approach and be sure to tell all your doctors what alternative
treatments you are using.
- If you
experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, anxiety,
diarrhea or skin
rashes, stop taking the herbal product and notify your doctor immediately.
- Avoid preparations made with more than one herb.
- Beware of commercial claims of what herbal products
can do. Look for scientific-based sources of information.
- Select brands carefully. Only purchase brands that list
the herb's common and scientific name, the name and address of the manufacturer,
a batch and lot number, expiration date, dosage guidelines and potential side
effects.
Reviewed by The Sleep Medicine Center at The Cleveland Clinic.
Edited by
Michael J.
Breus, PhD, WebMD, September 2004.
Portions of this page ©
The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2005
Last Editorial Review: 6/20/2005
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