A 36-year-old male came to my clinic with a 3-year history of insomnia. For the past year, he has been on sleeping pills, but they leave him feeling drowsy in the morning, which is now impacting his work.
He has been working for 10 years. He is married with a 7-year-old child, and his wife is a homemaker. Along with his 3-year struggle with insomnia, he also suffers from IBS, diabetes (not well-controlled despite medication), borderline cholesterol, and blood pressure. Although he’s on medication for these conditions, he hasn’t sought further treatment for them.
He is very conscious about his diet, because even minor changes can trigger his IBS and gastritis. While he doesn’t have time for exercise, he ensures regular health checkups.
During a detailed case review, it became clear that his insomnia is primarily driven by high stress and anxiety. He’s feeling overwhelmed by the demands of his job, financial pressures from major investments, and the threat of imminent layoffs at his company.
The patient is slightly overweight, standing at 174 cm and weighing 88 kg, with a blood pressure of 150/100 mmHg. He experiences frequent bloating and has central obesity. His bowel movements are irregular, leaving him with a sense of incomplete evacuation. Leading a sedentary lifestyle, he works long hours, being the sole provider for his family. His stress stems from concerns about job security and his family’s wellbeing. His sleep routine includes going to bed at 11 p.m., but he typically takes an hour to fall asleep. He often wakes up between 2-3 a.m. to urinate and finds it hard to return to sleep. Additionally, he has recurring dreams of being chased, which cause him to wake up in a panic.
Based on his overall mental and physical symptoms, I prescribed a single dose of the homeopathic remedy Calcarea Carb, with a focus on addressing his prominent insecurity. In addition, I recommended a Bach flower remedy combination: Larch to boost his confidence, White Chestnut to calm recurring thoughts, and Mimulus to alleviate fear.
At his second visit, two weeks later, he showed improvement. He was able to fall asleep more easily and, although he still woke up to urinate, he was able to return to sleep without much difficulty. His dreams were now more related to daily activities, and he woke up feeling calmer in the mornings. I repeated the Bach flower remedy combination and prescribed Calcarea Carb in a higher potency.
At the third visit, the patient showed significant improvement in his sleep. He was able to fall asleep quickly, and although he occasionally woke for urination, he could return to sleep easily. He mentioned enjoying deep, dreamless sleep and waking up refreshed in the morning. I did not repeat Calcarea Carb but continued the Bach flower remedy combination.
Over subsequent visits, the patient continued to improve, not only in sleep but also with his gastric issues. His blood pressure dropped to 140/90, and later to 130/80. His appetite increased, and he began having regular, satisfactory bowel movements. I continued the Bach flower remedy combination for 4 months before discontinuing it. Interestingly, during this period, his blood tests revealed normal sugar levels and liver function. This case clearly demonstrates the link between mental well-being and physical health.
Note: This case highlights the potential of homeopathy and Bach flower remedies in helping individuals achieve mental and emotional stability without side effects, lifetime dependency, or addiction to medication. In every case, the choice of treatment is based on the totality of symptoms and how they present in the individual. It is not advisable to self-prescribe these remedies without professional guidance. Please consult a qualified homeopath or contact us for assistance in your journey to wellness.
Dr Sreechithra H, BHMS, MSc psychology