Insomnia
Sometimes you relax into a comfortable bed and close your eyes, but nothing happens. You simply cannot fall asleep, no matter how badly you try. Hours pass and you are still awake. The next day you are fatigued, grouchy and unable to focus.
Nights without sleep happen to nearly everyone at some point, but continual insomnia can signal deeper issues and lead to greater health concerns. Unfortunately, common approaches to treating insomnia include prescription medications, which can come with side effects or dependence. Consider an all-natural approach to treating your sleep problems. Acupuncture is often very effective in improving quality of sleep without side effects.
Is your sleeplessness a recurring issue?
Occasional insomnia is an incredibly common issue, affecting about one in four Americans. This can happen to anyone but is often experienced by older adults. Its symptoms include:
Challenges falling asleep
Waking up in the night
Waking up earlier than expected
Daytime irritability and fatigue
Moodiness and frustration
Insomnia can no doubt be very frustrating, but it is bigger than just an annoyance. When insomnia becomes continual, or chronic, your body is unable to rest and renew itself. A lack of quality sleep can lead to diminished energy, low mood, difficulty concentrating, and trouble performing regular tasks. Sleep strengthens the immune system and insomnia can leave you vulnerable to many other health issues.
How acupuncture can help
The theories of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), indicate insomnia as an imbalance in Qi (pronounced “chee”), the vital energy that supports the body and keeps it from illness.
Your practitioner may ask you these questions to help refine your diagnosis:
Do you have trouble falling asleep?
Do you have challenges staying asleep?
Is your sleep full of vivid dreams?
Do you have difficulty calming your mind at night?
Is it challenging to sleep on your back? (This can mean an excess condition of the lung or heart meridians.)
Can you only sleep on your back and with your arms outstretched? (This can relate to a pattern of excessive heat.)
Would you prefer to sleep on your side or your stomach? (This could mean you have e a deficient condition.)
Insomnia can stem from a number of causes including stress, anxiety, medications, chronic pain or depression. While determining the underlying cause(s) of your insomnia, your acupuncturist will look into many factors such as lifestyle and your emotional and mental well-being. Once those have been taken into account, your acupuncturist will restore the balance and flow of Qi by inserting fine, sterile needles at specific acupuncture points along the body.
Your acupuncturist may also suggest additional therapies such as aromatherapy, yoga or meditation. It’s possible you may sleep better after your very first session, though you will most likely notice the greatest progress after a series of treatments.
Your acupuncturist can comprehend your sleep issues by examining the factors that could be causing them. With this ancient form of health care, you can treat your symptoms, improve your health and well-being and look forward to a great night’s sleep, every night of the week.
Tips for healthy sleep
Maintain a regular schedule.
Aim to go to bed and wake up at similar times every day.
Be active. Regular exercise does wonders but try not to exercise within a few hours of bedtime.
Avoid eating big meals before bed.
Try to avoid napping. If you really need a nap, keep it less than 45 minutes long.
Reduce caffeine, alcohol and nicotine, for these can increase sleep problems.
Stay calm and relax. Try having a warm bath, meditating or reading to calm down before going to sleep.