"Cracking the Insomnia Code"

Presenter: Ornza Izakson, ND
Original Date: July 26, 2025

Disturbed sleep impacts an estimated one in three people — with one in 10 having chronic sleep pathology. Inadequate sleep leads to distress and increases risk of serious disease and even death. Standard herbal, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical treatments often focus on sedation without addressing underlying causes, worsening symptoms and diminishing treatment efficacy over time. This talk will look under the hood at common and less-common causes of sleep impairment; review standard herbal, pharmaceutical and lifestyle interventions; and discuss common and less-common herbal approaches that can help our patients heal.

Bio: Dr. Orna Izakson is a licensed naturopathic doctor and registered herbalist practicing in Alaska and Oregon, specializing in mental health, women’s health and chronic disease. She has served as lead physician of the Traditional Roots Institute at National University of Natural Medicine, on the Gaia Herbs science advisory board, and recently joined the faculty of Psychiatry Redefined. Dr. Izakson also has been an award-winning environmental newspaper reporter, contributing to books on climate change and healthy living. She continues her mission of educating the public about full-spectrum plant medicine, mental health and clinical nutrition as a public speaker and online educator. Dr. Izakson is currently vice president of the Alaska Association of Naturopathic Doctors and founder of the Naturopathic Climate Alliance.

NUNM is accredited by the North American Naturopathic Continuing Education Council (NANCEAC). This activity qualifies for 1.0 General, 0.25 Pain, 0.25 Pharmacology (1.5 CEUs Total).