04/29/2026
*Q: My husband has chronic insomnia and medication hasnât helped. What can we do?*
*Answer:*
Chronic insomnia,
especially when it has been approached from many angles without lasting results, often needs to be looked at more holistically.
In my clinical observation, one of the most overlooked areas is digestion !
When digestion is not functioning optimallyâwhether it involves the liver and gallbladder, stomach, or intestinesâit can create internal disturbance that affects the nervous system and, ultimately, sleep. The body does much of its repair work at night, and if digestion is burdened, the system may remain too active to fully rest.
There is also a strong connection between mental activity and digestion. In traditional understanding, overthinking and constant analysis place pressure on the digestive systemâparticularly what is often referred to as the spleen-stomach axis.
In todayâs world, many peopleâespecially menâfeel a constant need to analyze, solve, and respond to problems, even those far beyond their immediate environment. Continuous exposure to stressful information, such as global events or negative news, keeps the mind active and the body in a subtle state of tension.
This ongoing internal âactivityâ can interfere with the bodyâs ability to shift into a restful state at night.
At the same time, itâs important to recognize that chronic insomnia may also be linked to conditions such as Sleep apnea or stress-related patterns like Insomnia disorder. If sleep has been significantly disrupted for a long time, proper assessment is important.
Where to start đȘ
*1. Support digestion*
Eat lighter, earlier evening meals
Favor warm, simple foods
Use small amounts of ginger to support digestion
*2. Reduce mental overload*
Limit exposure to news and stimulating information, especially in the evening
Create a clear âcut-offâ time for problem-solving
*3. Calm the nervous system before bed*
Gentle breathing or relaxation practices
Simple body-based release (even something as natural as a yawn can help reset tension)
4. Assess more deeply if needed
Functional or energetic testing (such as Acugraph in clinical settings) can help identify imbalances
Medical evaluation may be useful to rule out underlying conditions.
*Final thought* âïž
Insomnia is rarely caused by just one factor. It is usually a combination of digestive load, mental activity, and nervous system imbalance.
When we begin by calming the system and supporting digestion, the body often finds its way back to a natural rhythm of rest.