Melatonin worsens insomnia

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Posted on 29/08/2019 in Current Affairs

The over-the-counter sleep hormone melatonin is not at all suitable for helping people fall asleep better. 'It only worsens insomnia,' says sleep expert Taco Bos in response to a call from a large group of scientists. They propose that the substance should only be available by prescription from now on.*

Call on NOS Op 3
Approximately 500 scientists made that call on August 16th on NOS Op 3. 'The concerns are justified,' says Bos, founder of Sleepwell, a clinic for behavioral therapy to improve sleep. 'Melatonin is indeed not a sleep aid, but a hormone that affects the timing of your biological clock. It can be useful if you have jet lag, but it doesn't help you sleep better.'

Warning
Bos warns of a vicious circle. 'The medication is often taken too late, causing the natural rhythm to shift and then making it harder to get up on time. As a result, you also become tired later in the evening and have difficulty falling asleep. Ultimately, sleep hormones worsen your sleep problems.'

Underestimated Problem
Research shows that 1 in 10 people in our country truly sleep poorly. More elderly than young people, more women than men. In this group, we are talking about chronic poor sleep. Difficulty falling asleep, lying awake, waking up too early in the morning, and not being able to fall back asleep. These people also experience daytime difficulties as a result. The problem is significantly underestimated.

Struggling to fall or stay asleep?
According to Bos, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia is the most effective treatment if you have trouble falling or staying asleep. 'There has been scientific consensus on this for years, and it is also included in the official guidelines of the Dutch College of General Practitioners. Unfortunately, there are still too few psychologists and general practitioners in the Netherlands with sufficient knowledge about this therapy, but fortunately, that is rapidly changing.'

What can acupuncture do for insomnia?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we see sleep problems as a disruption of our natural rhythm. This rhythm is formed by two energies: action (yang) and rest (yin). This natural rhythm is easily disrupted in our busy lives. With an acupuncture treatment, this natural energy balance is restored. The deficiency of yin energy is replenished or the excess of yang energy is reduced. An acupuncturist also looks at your lifestyle, eating, and sleeping patterns.

Are you just tossing and turning or staring at the ceiling?
Read our tips below on what you can do yourself if you can't sleep, with nutrition and acupressure. Or contact an acupuncturist. He or she can delve deeper into your sleep problems with you and help you with a suitable treatment plan.

* Source: AD dated 16-08-2019