Lisa Varadi
Naturopathic Doctor & Author

Conditions Treated

Treatments Used
Insomnia Disorder
This is what most people think of when they hear the term insomnia. Sometimes called "classic insomnia", this is when a person has trouble falling asleep, is unable to stay asleep or wakes up too early in the morning. In the case of insomnia disorder, the sleeping difficulties are not caused by the presence of a physical or psychological disorder.

1 Dietary Changes
A healthy diet is paramount to the maintenance of good health. Incorporating nutritious foods can go a long way in improving overall health and well-being.
Stress-Induced Sleep Deprivation
This type of sleep loss presents the same way as insomnia disorder, however the trigger is worry, anxiety or anticipation. This is often brought on by an occurrence that elicits strong emotions, such as a stressful situation or a traumatic life event.

2 Nutritional Supplements
Nutrients enable the body to function optimally. Deficiencies in these nutrients can lead to a variety of health concerns.
Hormonal Sleep Loss
Our hormones greatly affect our internal clock. Any situation or condition that alters hormone levels can negatively impact sleep. Common examples include menopause, andropause, menstruation and hyperthyroidism.

3 Western Herbal Medicine
This involves the use of plant extracts as medicine. Plants have been used for millennia in the treatment of many conditions.
Restless Legs Syndrome
This is a sleep-related movement disorder in which a person experiences discomfort in the legs while at rest at night. The discomfort is relieved with movement and often results in sleeping difficulty at night. The possible causes of restless legs syndrome include genetics, pregnancy, low dopamine levels, iron deficiency, kidney failure or prolonged immobility.

4 Acupuncture
Fine needles are inserted into the skin to stimulate the body's own healing capabilities.
Circadian Rhythm Sleep-Wake Disorders
These are caused by a disruption of the circadian rhythm causing a person to fall asleep and wake up at times that are not conducive to the demands of daily life. Unlike insomnia, those with circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders are able to get enough sleep if given the opportunity. People who suffer from these conditions are often referred to as "extreme night owls" or "extreme larks".

5 Lifestyle Counselling
This involves a discussion of ways to minimize stress, restore sleep-promoting behaviours and achieve emotional well-being.