What Is Insomnia?
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder where people have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early and not being able to fall back asleep. It can leave you feeling tired, irritable, and foggy during the day—and over time, it can impact your physical and mental health.
Insomnia can be:
- Acute (short-term) – often caused by stress, travel, or a major life event.
- Chronic (long-term) – lasting for months or longer, often linked to underlying issues.
Common causes include:
- Stress or anxiety
- Poor sleep habits (screen time, irregular schedules)
- Caffeine or alcohol
- Hormonal imbalances
- Digestive issues
- Chronic pain or inflammation
How Functional Medicine Can Help
Functional medicine looks at the root causes of insomnia rather than just treating symptoms. It takes a holistic approach that considers how different systems in your body are connected.
Here’s how functional medicine tackles insomnia:
- Investigating Underlying Causes
Our practitioners dive deep into what might be disrupting your sleep—this could include:
- Cortisol (stress hormone) imbalances
- Gut microbiome health
- Inflammation levels
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Blood sugar imbalances
- Thyroid or sex hormone issues
- Personalized Testing
Instead of a one-size-fits-all solution, functional medicine often uses lab testing to get specific answers about what’s going on in your body—like adrenal function, hormone levels, or gut health markers.
- Lifestyle + Stress Support
Sleep hygiene is a big focus—this might include:
- Calming evening routines
- Breathwork or meditation
- Blue light exposure reduction
- Sleep-supportive nutrition
- Targeted Nutrition & Supplements
Certain nutrients and herbs can help reset your sleep cycle, like:
- Magnesium glycinate
- L-theanine
- Melatonin (when appropriate)
- Adaptogens like ashwagandha or holy basil
- Diet adjustments to support stable blood sugar and reduce inflammation
- Long-Term Strategy
The goal isn’t just temporary relief—it’s helping your body rebalance naturally so that sleep becomes restorative again.
