INSOMNIA AND ANXIETY DURING THE PRE-TET PERIOD – DON’T BE CARELESS

The period leading up to the Lunar New Year (Tet) is a lively and bustling time, as people prepare to welcome a joyful and fulfilling holiday. However, it is also a time when an increase in sleep disorders within the community is commonly observed. Many individuals experience difficulty falling asleep, poor sleep quality, frequent awakenings, persistent fatigue, and prolonged anxiety. Year-end work pressure, changes in daily routines, and heightened psychological stress are key factors that can trigger or exacerbate sleep disturbances, particularly among older adults and individuals with a prior history of insomnia.

According to Traditional Medicine, insomnia is associated with dysfunction of the Zang–Fu organ systems, particularly the Heart (Xin), Liver (Gan), Spleen (Pi), Lung (Fei), and Kidney (Shen). These disturbances may arise from deficiency of Qi and Blood, stagnation of Liver Qi, or disharmony between Yin and Yang. If this condition persists, it can negatively affect physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life.

COMBINED TRADITIONAL MEDICINE AND MODERN MEDICINE APPROACHES TO INSOMNIA TREATMENT

At Da Nang City Hospital of Traditional Medicine, insomnia treatment is delivered through a comprehensive and individualized approach, integrating multiple therapeutic modalities tailored to each patient’s condition:

Pharmacological Treatment

Traditional Medicine herbal therapy

Herbal prescriptions are formulated based on syndrome differentiation according to each clinical pattern. These remedies help nourish the heart, calm the mind, regulate qi and blood, balance yin and yang, and support sustainable improvement in sleep quality.

Traditional herbal preparation – “Kien Nao An Than”

This preparation is used to treat cerebral circulatory insufficiency presenting with symptoms such as headache, insomnia, dizziness, and memory impairment, as well as post-acute stages of cerebrovascular accidents. It has demonstrated high effectiveness in many patients with insomnia and non-restorative sleep.

Western medicine

Western medications may be prescribed in selected cases involving comorbid conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, or moderate to severe sleep disorders. These medications are used strictly under the indication of specialist physicians and require close monitoring.

The combination of Traditional Medicine and Western medicine is carefully considered to enhance treatment efficacy, minimize adverse effects, and avoid medication dependence.

Acupuncture

Stimulates acupuncture points associated with the nervous system

Helps calm the mind, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality

Suitable for patients with chronic insomnia and prolonged stress

Massage and Acupressure Therapy

Promotes physical relaxation and relieves neck, shoulder, and back pain

Enhances blood circulation and supports stabilization of the autonomic nervous system

Helps patients fall asleep more easily

Foot Reflexology

Promotes downward circulation of blood, warms the kidneys, and induces calming effects

Suitable for all age groups, particularly older adults and individuals who frequently wake during the night

Thread Embedding Therapy (Catgut Embedding)

Provides long-term stimulation of acupuncture points

Suitable for patients who are unable to attend frequent treatment sessions

Supports long-term improvement in sleep quality and stress reduction

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Enhances oxygen delivery to the brain and supports neurological recovery

Beneficial for patients with:

Prolonged neurasthenia

Neurological dysfunction following stroke, trauma, or cerebrovascular diseases

Persistent fatigue, psychological stress, reduced concentration, and decreased quality of life

RECOMMENDATIONS

Patients experiencing persistent insomnia, anxiety, or fatigue should not underestimate these symptoms or self-medicate. Early consultation at specialized healthcare facilities enables the selection of safe and appropriate treatment strategies.

Da Nang Hospital of Traditional Medicine

Provides consultation and treatment for sleep disorders using Traditional Medicine approaches, contributing to health stabilization and helping patients welcome the Lunar New Year in peace and well-being.