Last updated on 23 September 2025 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic Editorial Team
Suffering from Insomnia? You are not alone as it is a common sleep disorder.
Defined as unsatisfactory sleep that interrupts daytime functions, Insomnia is classified as mild, moderate and severe. Almost 30 per cent of the Australian population experiences a sleeping disorder. Of these, 5 per cent of them have chronic Insomnia, while the remaining 25 per cent have primary Insomnia.
In general, the recommended sleep time for adults ranges from 7 to 9 hours. Meanwhile, school-age children should get at least 10 hours of sleep per night.
The Causes and Effects of Insomnia
There are several different causes of insomnia, including stress, anxiety, depression, medical condition, certain medication, pregnancy and more. Regardless of its causes, lack of sleep can take a toll on an individual’s quality of life. It can lead to physical and emotional issues, such as fatigue and exhaustion, irritability, mood swings, poor focus and memory, obesity and long-term diseases (diabetes, a heart condition, etc.)
Other than that, it can reduce a person’s energy and productivity levels, thereby affecting their performance at school or work. Dealing with Insomnia can be stressful and overwhelming for anyone. Also, it is likely to aggravate with age, unless you seek treatment.
However, there is a natural solution. Naturopathy is a natural treatment for insomnia. Safe, simple and effective, it seeks to address the root cause of the issue. It can help change the behaviours and patterns that cause insomnia. Hence, sleep is restored naturally, without having to rely on sleeping pills.
Understanding the Root Causes of Insomnia
Naturopathy approaches insomnia by identifying and addressing the underlying causes rather than masking symptoms. Common drivers of poor sleep include stress, hormone imbalances, blood sugar fluctuations, nutrient deficiencies, and poor sleep hygiene. For some patients, chronic pain or digestive issues may also be contributing.
During a Naturopathic consultation, our Practitioners conduct a detailed health assessment, reviewing your energy patterns, lifestyle, emotional load, and any underlying conditions. If needed, functional tests may be recommended to check cortisol levels, melatonin production, or thyroid function. Understanding what’s causing your sleep disruption is the first step to resolving it.
Solving Insomnia Through Naturopathy can facilitate high-quality sleep
- Identifying and defining the contributory factors of insomnia
- Supporting neurotransmitter production and regulation, especially melatonin secretion (the primary sleep hormone)
- Suggesting home remedies and sleep routine habits that help relax the nervous system
- Treating any pathology that causes poor sleep
- Prescribing individualised natural treatments
Simply put, solving Insomnia through Naturopathy entails the use of natural modalities for the treatment. These include but are not limited to, behavioural techniques, acupuncture, diet, herbs, relaxation techniques and lifestyle changes
The very first step is to change the affected individual’s lifestyle. We live in a modern, fast-paced world where many factors contribute to insomnia. Thus, it is vital to change certain patterns in our routines, such as late-night TV viewing or excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption. These factors can aggravate insomnia. If insomnia still exists, supportive elements can be used, such as herbs.
Naturopathy seeks to treat the person as a whole. With the incorporation of natural treatment, affected individuals notice a substantial difference in their overall well-being.
Targeted Natural Treatments to Restore Sleep
Once we’ve identified the contributing factors, your Naturopath will recommend an individualised Wellness Plan. This may include specific practitioner-grade supplements and liquid herbs designed to support nervous system function and promote restorative sleep. Nutrients such as magnesium, B6, and amino acids like L-theanine are often used to calm the mind and body in preparation for sleep.
Herbal medicines such as Zizyphus, Passionflower, and Californian Poppy may be prescribed in tailored combinations to suit your specific presentation. These are not sedatives, but gentle natural agents that help reset your sleep-wake cycle, support deeper sleep, and reduce night waking.
Diet and lifestyle adjustments are also usually included to support long-term improvements.
In Our Experience
In the Experience of Our Naturopaths
Our Naturopaths regularly treat patients struggling with sleep onset, frequent waking, or feeling unrested even after sleep. In many cases, they find that insomnia is linked to adrenal fatigue, poor blood sugar regulation, or long-term overstimulation of the nervous system. Once these areas are addressed, sleep quality often improves without the need for pharmaceutical intervention.
“Many of my patients arrive thinking insomnia is just something they have to live with. Once we look at their stress response, circadian rhythm, and mineral status, the improvements can be significant. Often, it’s not about one ‘magic’ supplement — it’s the layering of consistent, personalised support.”
– Dominique Johanson, Naturopath
In the Experience of Our Patients
Patients frequently tell us that sleep has improved not just through herbal medicine, but also through the structure, guidance and accountability provided during their Wellness Plan. For many, small changes like balancing blood sugar before bed or creating a proper evening wind-down routine have made a major difference.
“I used to lie awake for hours, thinking I was just a ‘bad sleeper’. The herbs helped, but the real change came from how my Naturopath explained my stress patterns and gave me clear steps to follow. I now sleep through most nights and feel like myself again.”
– Jessica T., Patient
Creating Long-Term Sleep Habits Through Support and Structure
Our Naturopaths don’t just provide treatment – they help you build a sustainable plan for long-term sleep health. This includes reviewing stimulants such as caffeine or alcohol, improving your night-time wind-down routine, and supporting consistent melatonin production. Where stress and worry are barriers to sleep, adaptogenic herbs and nervous system support may also be included.
Regular reviews and support are offered as part of your Wellness Plan to help you track progress and make necessary adjustments. Many patients report sleeping better within 2 to 4 weeks of beginning their treatment plan, with additional improvements in mood, energy and stress resilience.
