How to nourish the brain with chronic insomnia
Jan 26, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. He Haochen
Introduction
In general, treatment for long-term insomnia and brain nourishment should be based on the underlying causes. Common causes include psychological factors, poor sleep habits, kidney deficiency, cerebral deficiency, cerebral thrombosis, etc. In daily life, it is advisable to reduce consumption of spicy and stimulating foods, and increase intake of light, easily digestible foods such as egg custard, rice porridge, and Chinese yam porridge, which are beneficial to health.
In general, how to nourish the brain in cases of chronic insomnia should be determined according to the underlying cause. Common causes include psychological factors, poor sleep habits, kidney deficiency, brain deficiency, and cerebral thrombosis. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention for appropriate treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Psychological Factors
Stress and anxiety in daily life are common causes of insomnia. Prolonged tension can disrupt sleep, leading to symptoms such as chronic insomnia, headaches, and cold sweats. It is advisable to learn coping strategies, including relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and warm baths.
2. Poor Sleep Habits
Irregular sleep schedules, engaging in non-sleep activities in bed, and excessively long daytime naps may lead to symptoms such as memory decline, slowed reaction time, and chronic insomnia. Establishing healthy sleep habits—such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding non-sleep activities in bed, and limiting nap duration—can help improve sleep quality.
3. Kidney Deficiency
Kidney deficiency is often caused by excessive sexual activity. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the kidneys govern the production and storage of vital essence and blood. If kidney deficiency occurs, it may lead to insufficient essence and blood, affecting normal brain nerve function and causing symptoms such as insomnia, fatigue, and lower back pain. Treatment may include medications such as Yougui Pills, Wuzi Yanzong Pills, or Jinkui Shenqi Pills, taken under medical guidance. Additionally, consuming more black-colored foods—such as black beans, black sesame seeds, and mulberries—can help alleviate symptoms of kidney deficiency.
4. Brain Deficiency
Brain deficiency is usually caused by prolonged mental exertion. According to TCM theory, brain deficiency is considered a common cause of chronic insomnia. It may result in inadequate or imbalanced brain function and impaired neural activity, thereby affecting sleep quality and causing symptoms such as forgetfulness, mental fogginess, and chronic insomnia. Under a doctor’s supervision, patients may take medications such as Anshen Bunao Liquid, Compound Huonaoshu Capsules, or Oryzanol tablets. Additionally, eating nuts such as peanuts, walnuts, and almonds may help nourish the brain.
5. Cerebral Thrombosis
Cerebral thrombosis may arise from changes in blood composition. A blood clot in the brain can block cerebral blood vessels, leading to insufficient blood supply to the brain. This lack of blood flow affects the normal metabolism and function of brain cells, potentially causing disordered brain neural activity and symptoms such as blurred vision, slurred speech, and chronic insomnia. Medications such as aspirin tablets, clopidogrel hydrogen sulfate tablets, and Maixuekang capsules may be taken under medical guidance. Furthermore, consuming foods rich in vitamins—such as apples, grapefruits, and asparagus beans—can support recovery.
In daily life, it is beneficial to reduce intake of spicy and stimulating foods and instead consume light, easily digestible foods such as egg custard, rice porridge, and yam porridge.
