Non-traditional Methods for the Treatment of Insomnia: A Mini Review

Alternative treatments for insomnia have gained attention over the past decade, with higher acceptance over the past few years as the scientific knowledge of various modalities has grown. While the treatments have varying degrees of success, many individuals have found relief from some form of alternative treatment and no longer rely on pharmacological sleep medication. These alternative treatments include acupuncture, herbal supplements and mindfulness training, to name a few. The present mini-review briefly summarizes a few of the alternatives available to those having difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep. Although, generally speaking there is a great deal of methodological variability in the published literature on non-traditional approaches, the studies which have been properly conducted indicate alternative treatments for insomnia deserve consideration. Of the treatments summarized in this mini-review, mindfulness training may have the most promise for successful treatment of insomnia. The modalities involving Traditional Chinese Medicine ? TCM ? (acupuncture and herbs) show at least a mild effect when diagnosis is based on TCM principles and treatment is carried out for several weeks.