Insomnia

Insomnia and depression have a bidirectional worsening relationship. Approximately 90% of patients with depression complain of sleep problems, and patients with chronic insomnia have a 2 to 3 times higher risk of developing depression. In such cases, treating sleep alone does not provide a fundamental solution; sleep therapy must be combined with antidepressants (SSRIs) or cognitive behavioral therapy for depression (CBT-D).

Korean Traditional Medicine Clinic Perspective

At Dongjedang Korean Traditional Medicine Clinic, insomnia accompanied by depression and anxiety is often classified as Simdamheogeop or Gangiulgyeol. In this case, rather than a herbal medicine that simply calms the mind to aid sleep, we consider a prescription modified with Ondantang (which dissolves phlegm and stabilizes the mind) or a combination with Soyosan (which improves Qi circulation to relieve stuffiness). If severe depressive symptoms (accompanied by self-harming thoughts) are present, referral to a psychiatric clinic is strongly recommended.