Insomnia
Description
Insomnia affects millions and can take many forms—difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking, early waking, or unrefreshing sleep. While sleep medications offer temporary relief, they don’t solve the root causes. Functional medicine looks at the full picture: cortisol rhythm, melatonin levels, inflammation, neurotransmitter imbalances, blood sugar instability, and even toxins or gut-brain dysfunction. By supporting the circadian rhythm and restoring nervous system balance, functional medicine offers lasting solutions for deep, restorative sleep without dependence on medication.
Symptoms
Trouble falling asleep
Waking frequently at night
Early morning waking
Feeling unrefreshed upon waking
Daytime fatigue or brain fog
Anxiety around bedtime
Night sweats or restlessness
Trouble turning off mental chatter
Mood swings or irritability
Poor memory or concentration
Labs & Testing Options
Salivary cortisol rhythm (4-point saliva)
Melatonin levels
Organic acids test (neurotransmitter metabolism, B vitamins)
Thyroid panel (especially if waking at 3-4am)
Blood sugar markers (fasting glucose, A1c)
Magnesium, B6, and zinc levels
Histamine or DAO (if nighttime itching or restlessness)
Gut testing (dysbiosis, inflammation)
Treatment Options
Magnesium glycinate, L-theanine, or glycine at bedtime
Herbal support (valerian, passionflower, lemon balm, chamomile)
Melatonin or 5-HTP (short-term use)
Blue light blocking and circadian rhythm optimization
Adaptogens for daytime cortisol balance
Breathwork, vagal stimulation, or meditation
CBT-I or sleep hygiene coaching
Addressing blood sugar swings or thyroid patterns
If you can’t sleep, you can’t heal. Let’s reset your sleep rhythm and uncover what’s keeping you up.