NEWS ABOUT INSOMNIA

WHAT IS INSOMNIA? WHAT ARE THE CAUSES?
Insomnia is defined as difficulty to fall asleep, frequently waking up during sleep or unable to go back to sleep after waking up. Usually insomnia is related to aging, stress, taking certain drugs, mood disturbances (such as anxiety, depression), pain after surgery (or pain from any other internal or external injury), abnormal sleeping habits (such as drinking alcohol or taking any caffeinated drinks) and so forth. It can also be related to other special diseases, such as involuntary muscle spasms (restless legs syndrome, RLS), Parkinson’s Disease, and depression. Work-related issues may also cause insomnia (such as jet lag from a business trip, night shifts and so forth). The presentation of insomnia can be different depending on the cause. It can be transient, intermittent, or even continuous.　

INSOMNIA IS THE MAIN CAUSE OF MANY TRAFFIC ACCIDENT
Studies have discovered that people who suffer from medium or severe tiredness during the day are two times more likely to doze off compared to normal individuals, hence the likelihood of traffic accidents or occupational hazards. In America, there are over 100,000 traffic accidents due to fatigue and dozing off, resulting in the deaths of 1,500 people. Experts believe that the number of accidents caused by people feeling tired and drunk driving is comparable. The main reason for tiredness is insomnia or insufficient sleep during the night.

WHAT IS THE “LE TRIANGLE D'OR OF SLEEP”?
According to the theory of Chinese acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine of meridian points, there are three points on the wrist: Shenmen Point, Great Mound Point and Inner Pass Point. Shenmen Point is responsible for mental states and blood circulatory functions, Great Mound Point and Inner Pass Point are responsible for the heart and heat. These three points forms a triangle, hence the term “Le Triangle d'or of sleep.” It has a significant role in effective stress relief and promoting sleep.　

WHAT IS THE CORRELATION BETWEEN “INSOMNIA” AND THE “LE TRIANGLE D'OR OF SLEEP”?
Blood circulation affects the ability of the pineal gland in the brain that secretes melatonin. The main reason for insomnia is that the biological clock is easily affected by the stress and tension of the today’s society. According to the theory of Chinese acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine of meridian points, the pericardial meridian is most active during 7-9 PM at night. During this period, blood circulation is at its maximum. The stimulation of the pineal gland in the brain secreting melatonin occurs between 10-11 PM, which makes it the best time for sleep. If the biological clock is upset on a long-term basis, insufficient melatonin secretion and insomnia ensue.

MELATONIN AND INSOMNIA
Melatonin is a chemical which is secreted by the brain’s pineal gland. Under normal circumstances, the content melatonin in the blood is a prediction of the sleep cycle. Usually there is a rapid increase of melatonin in the blood during the first half of the night after mid night and a decrease as morning approaches. Melatonin allows the body to maintain a normal biological rhythm, which includes hormone secretion, sleep quality, body temperature change and other physiological properties. During the sleeping process, the content of melatonin is high, and people can have a longer and deeper sleep. However, in elderly people, melatonin secretory functions are less effective compared to those of adolescent or middle-aged people, therefore they are more likely to experience insomnia, short periods of sleep, or unable to fall back to sleep after waking up. Similarly, insomnia can also be caused by jet lag from long-haul flights, excessive alcohol consumption, consumption of narcotic drugs and addiction.