Insomnia

High quality sleep is incredibly important. Unfortunately, an estimated 20-30% of adults in the United States suffer from insomnia, and this number is increasing exponentially(1-3). Insomnia refers to trouble falling asleep and/or trouble staying asleep that occurs three or more times a week and can be considered short-term (persists for less than 3 months) or chronic (persists for more than 3 months). Due to its negative impact on normal daily functioning, insomnia is linked to increased risk of physiological diseases including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes(5). Additionally, many people with neurological issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse(6-12).

 Due to its association with so many other disorders, all of which have their own detrimental health effects, the treatment of insomnia is incredibly important. We highly recommend neurofeedback therapy (supported by IV and PEMF therapy) for those who are looking for long-lasting relief of their insomnia, as well as those who have a poor response to conventional therapies.

 Extivita Therapies for Insomnia:

 

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Extivita Therapies for Insomnia:

Neurofeedback for Insomnia

Neurofeedback

Nutritional IV Therapy for Insomnia

IV Therapy

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF) for Insomnia

Bemer

Supplements for Insomnia

Supplements

Neurofeedback Therapy​ for Insomnia:

Neurofeedback can be incredibly successful in improving sleep quality and duration in those with insomnia. Specific protocols typically involve increasing the sensorimotor rhythm (SMR), which refers to activity between 12-15Hz in the central/parietal region of the head. Increasing SMR has been shown to successfully improved insomnia, perhaps because an increase in SMR may lead to increased sleep spindles, which are associated with improved quality and duration of sleep(13-16). Additionally, increasing SMR may improve insomnia by increasing relaxation and decreasing excessive motor activity(17).

 

Some insomnia protocols may also work to decrease beta and high beta activity (15-30Hz) if elevated, as too much beta activity can indicate a constant state of hyperarousal(14, 18). The specific protocol for someone with insomnia depends on a careful analysis of that individuals qEEG brain map, their behavioral assessment, and their neurofeedback consultation.

 

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Neurofeedback EEG Biofeedback
Neurofeedback EEG Biofeedback - Durham, NC
Neurofeedback Therapy in North Carolina
Neurofeedback Therapy in Durham, NC

Nutritional IV Therapy for Insomnia:

We strongly recommend our Myer’s Cocktail IV and Glutathione IV for those with insomnia due to their antioxidant and nutritional benefits. Insomnia has been associated with increased levels of oxidative stress, something that occurs when 1) there are elevated levels of reactive oxygen species and/or 2) there are deficient antioxidant defenses(19).

 

Both Vitamin C, which is in the Myer’s Cocktail IV, and Glutathione are powerful antioxidants that scavenges and eliminates damaging free radicals thereby decreasing oxidative stress(20-21). Deficient glutathione levels have also been observed in people with insomnia(19). Additionally, both Magnesium and B Vitamins (components of the Myer’s Cocktail IV) have been shown to improve sleep-related issues(22-24).

 

Learn more about IV Therapy…

Nutritional IV Therapy for Insomnia in Durham, NC
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF) for Alzheimer’s Disease in Durham, NC

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy for Insomnia:

There is evidence to suggest that pulsed-electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) may improve sleep duration, sleep quality, and overall insomnia severity in those with insomnia (25-26). One study found that 70% of participants experienced “very clear improvement” or better and 94% reported “clear improvement” after 4 weeks of PEMF therapy(26).

 

Learn more about PEMF Therapy…​

News & Research for Insomnia:

Insomnia overview: epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and monitoring, and nonpharmacologic therapy

Insomnia overview: epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and monitoring, and nonpharmacologic therapy

Mar 15, 2021 |

nsomnia, whether short-term or chronic, is a common condition. It has a negative impact on vulnerable patient groups, including active military personnel and veterans, patients with coexisting psychiatric and medical disorders, those in life transitions such as menopause, and elderly persons. Although cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) is first-line treatment for insomnia, its high cost and a lack of trained providers has prevented widespread uptake. Now, digital CBTI (dCBTI) is emerging as a scalable option with the potential to overcome these barriers in managed care.

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References
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  2. Moloney, Mairead Eastin, et al. “The Medicalization of Sleeplessness: Results of U.S. Office Visit Outcomes, 2008-2015.” SSM – Population Health, vol. 8, Aug. 2019, p. 100388. PubMed, doi:10.1016/j.ssmph.2019.100388.
  3. “Insomnia Overview: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Monitoring, and Nonpharmacologic Therapy.” AJMC, https://www.ajmc.com/view/insomnia-overview-epidemiology-pathophysiology-diagnosis-and-monitoring-and-nonpharmacologic-therapy. Accessed 11 Feb. 2021.
  4. Insomnia | NHLBI, NIH. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/insomnia. Accessed 11 Feb. 2021.
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  12. Chakravorty, Subhajit, et al. “Sleep Management Among Patients with Substance Use Disorders.” The Medical Clinics of North America, vol. 102, no. 4, July 2018, pp. 733–43. PubMed, doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2018.02.012.
  13. Hammer, Barbara U., et al. “Neurofeedback for Insomnia: A Pilot Study of Z-Score SMR and Individualized Protocols.” Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, vol. 36, no. 4, Dec. 2011, pp. 251–64. PubMed, doi:10.1007/s10484-011-9165-y.
  14. Cortoos, Aisha, et al. “An Exploratory Study on the Effects of Tele-Neurofeedback and Tele-Biofeedback on Objective and Subjective Sleep in Patients with Primary Insomnia.” Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, vol. 35, no. 2, June 2010, pp. 125–34. DOI.org (Crossref), doi:10.1007/s10484-009-9116-z.
  15. Schabus, Manuel, et al. “Better than Sham? A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Neurofeedback Study in Primary Insomnia.” Brain, vol. 140, no. 4, Apr. 2017, pp. 1041–52. Silverchair, doi:10.1093/brain/awx011.
  16. Andrillon, Thomas, et al. “Sleep Spindles in Humans: Insights from Intracranial EEG and Unit Recordings.” The Journal of Neuroscience, vol. 31, no. 49, Dec. 2011, pp. 17821–34. PubMed Central, doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2604-11.2011.
  17. Sterman, M. Barry. “Basic Concepts and Clinical Findings in the Treatment of Seizure Disorders with EEG Operant Conditioning.” Clinical Electroencephalography, vol. 31, no. 1, SAGE Publications, Jan. 2000, pp. 45–55. SAGE Journals, doi:10.1177/155005940003100111.
  18. Perlis, Michael L., et al. “Beta/Gamma EEG Activity in Patients with Primary and Secondary Insomnia and Good Sleeper Controls.” Sleep, vol. 24, no. 1, Jan. 2001, pp. 110–17. Silverchair, doi:10.1093/sleep/24.1.110.
  19. Gulec, Mustafa, et al. “Oxidative Stress in Patients with Primary Insomnia.” Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, vol. 37, no. 2, June 2012, pp. 247–51. ScienceDirect, doi:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2012.02.011.
  20. Traber, Maret G., and Jan F. Stevens. “Vitamins C and E: Beneficial Effects from a Mechanistic Perspective.” Free Radical Biology & Medicine, vol. 51, no. 5, Sept. 2011, pp. 1000–13. PubMed Central, doi:10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2011.05.017.
  21. Forman, Henry Jay, et al. “Glutathione: Overview of Its Protective Roles, Measurement, and Biosynthesis.” Molecular Aspects of Medicine, vol. 30, no. 1–2, 2009, pp. 1–12. PubMed Central, doi:10.1016/j.mam.2008.08.006.
  22. Abbasi, Behnood, et al. “The Effect of Magnesium Supplementation on Primary Insomnia in Elderly: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.” Journal of Research in Medical Sciences : The Official Journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, vol. 17, no. 12, Dec. 2012, pp. 1161–69.
  23. Djokic, Gorica, et al. “The Effects of Magnesium – Melatonin – Vit B Complex Supplementation in Treatment of Insomnia.” Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, vol. 7, no. 18, Aug. 2019, pp. 3101–05. PubMed Central, doi:10.3889/oamjms.2019.771.
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