Alternative Medicine: Helping People Sleep |
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September 28, 2006
by AJ Fanter
aj.fanter@healthcare-programs.com
Healthcare-Programs Columnist
According to a recent study, 36 percent of U.S. adults have used some form of complementary or alternative medicine. As it turns out, one of the primary uses for alternative medicine isn't just about easing patients' aches and pains. Based on new analysis of a national survey, scientists at the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) have noted that over 1.6 million American adults have used some form of complementary or alternative medicine therapy to help them sleep better at night.
Lots of Insomniacs, Lots of Options
Roughly 17 percent of adults had trouble sleeping in the prior 12 months, the newly released data shows. In addition, about 4.5 percent of those who were suffering from a lack of sleep (1.6 million or so) turned to CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) therapies for relief.
Top Alternative Medicine Therapy Choices
While 65 percent of people reporting problems with insomnia turned to herbal alternative medicine therapies, roughly 39 percent turned to "mind/body"-oriented therapies, such as relaxation techniques. What's more, the NCCAM notes that a majority of the respondents felt that the alternative medicine therapy they used had been helpful in addressing their insomnia.
When asked why they chose an alternative medicine therapy, roughly 67 percent reported that they thought it would interesting to try, while 64 percent believed that alternative medicine, when combined with a conventional treatment, would be helpful.
If you're looking for a career that will give you the chance to help others sleep better as well as feel better, maybe it's time to consider a career in alternative medicine.
Source
About the Author
AJ Fanter is a freelance writer based in Reno, NV.
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