Fusion of Traditional and Contemporary Medicine in Treating Insomnia: An Exploration
Abhishek M Bulla, Puneet K Nagendra, Neerajraj Raj B, Gopal Das CM, Anupama V
Keywords :
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, Insomnia, Integrative treatment, Pharmacotherapy, Traditional medicine
Citation Information :
Bulla AM, Nagendra PK, B NR, CM GD, V A. Fusion of Traditional and Contemporary Medicine in Treating Insomnia: An Exploration. Indian Sleep Med 2024; 19 (4):69-75.
Introduction: Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder, significantly impacts quality of life and overall health. Contemporary medical approaches, such as pharmacotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia, offer effective treatments with a strong evidence base. Traditional medicine, including the use of medicinal plants like valerian, magnolia, and artemisia, provides options that have been used for centuries. This article explores how the integration of traditional and contemporary medicine can enhance insomnia treatment outcomes.
Discussion: Contemporary medicine targets various neurotransmitter systems, and mindfulness methods address the behavioral and psychological aspects of insomnia. Traditional medicine leverages natural remedies that target GABAergic signaling to promote sleep.
Conclusion: By combining the strengths of both modalities, a more holistic and personalized treatment plan can be developed, potentially maximizing efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. Leveraging the benefits of natural remedies alongside modern therapeutic techniques can address the diverse needs of patients more comprehensively. Future research and clinical trials are essential to validate this integrative approach and establish standardized protocols for its implementation.
Rosenberg R, Citrome L, Drake CL. Advances in the treatment of chronic insomnia: A narrative review of new nonpharmacological and pharmacologic therapies. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2021;17:2549–2566. DOI: 10.2147/NDT.S297504.
Levenson JC, Kay DB, Buysse DJ. The pathophysiology of insomnia. Chest 2015;147(4):1179–1192. DOI: 10.1378/chest.14-1617.
Brown GM. Light, melatonin, and the sleep-wake cycle. J Psychiatry Neurosci 1994;19(5):345–353. PMID: 7803368.
Laudon M, Frydman-Marom A. Therapeutic effects of melatonin receptor agonists on sleep and comorbid disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2014;15(9):15924–15950. DOI: 10.3390/ijms150915924.
Del Rio Verduzco A, Salari A, Haghparast P. Efficacy and safety of pharmacotherapy in chronic insomnia: A review of clinical guidelines and case reports. Ment Health Clin 2023;13(5):244–254. DOI: 10.9740/mhc.2023.10.244.
Bruni O, Ferini-Strambi L, Giacomoni E et al. Herbal remedies and their possible effect on the GABAergic system and sleep. Nutrients 2021;13:530. DOI: 10.3390/nu13020530.
Madari S, Golebiowski R, Mansukhani MP, et al. Pharmacological management of insomnia. Neurotherapeutics 2021;18(1):44–52. DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01010-z.
Gupta R, Das S, Gujar K, et al. Clinical practice guidelines for sleep disorders. Indian J Psychiatry 2017;59:S116–S138. DOI: 10.4103/0019-5545.196978.
Sharpe E, Tibbitts D, Wolfe B, et al. Qualitative impressions of a yoga nidra practice for insomnia: An exploratory mixed-methods design. J Altern Complement Med 2021;27(10):884–892. DOI: 10.1089/acm.2021.0125.
Parajuli N, Pradhan B, Jat M. Effect of four weeks of integrated yoga intervention on perceived stress and sleep quality among female nursing professionals working at a tertiary care hospital: A pilot study. Ind Psychiatry J 2021;30(1):136–140. DOI: 10.4103/ipj.ipj_11_21.
Patra S, Telles S. Positive impact of cyclic meditation on subsequent sleep. Med Sci Monit 2009;15(7):CR375– CR381. PMID: 19564829.