Ease the Symptoms of Insomnia with Acupuncture

Insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders in the country. People with insomnia experience difficulties falling/staying asleep. A study estimates that 1 in 3 people or 10 percent of the population have at least mild insomnia.

Some common causes of insomnia are stress, poor sleeping habits, and mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. Some signs of insomnia are:

• Difficulty falling asleep at night
• Waking up too early or during the night
• Waking tired even after a full night’s rest
• Inability to focus and concentrate during the day

Insomnia can negatively impact a person’s physical and mental health. Prolonged sleep deprivation is often linked to several harmful health consequences such as an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (including heart attack and stroke), obesity, and diabetes.

Various studies have found that acupuncture can be successfully used to break the insomnia cycle. No wonder it is one of the most popular alternative methods to treat insomnia. Acupuncture eases stress and anxiety (both inhibit sleep), and stimulates the release of melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle.

In 2004, a study was conducted to determine the relationship between insomnia and stress and anxiety. Research participants were administered acupuncture for five weeks. Subjects reported sleeping better and waking less often during the night. Additionally, researchers found a rise in the amount of melatonin in the bodies of the subjects.

Participants also reported a decrease in their observed and self-reported anxious behaviors. Researchers concluded that acupuncture had a positive, relaxing effect that reduced anxiety, helping break the vicious cycle of stress-induced sleep deprivation.

Acupuncture can also be used as an adjunct therapy for insomnia. There is plenty of evidence to suggest that acupuncture, when used as an adjunct therapy for insomnia, can improve the effectiveness of the main treatment.

A review of 46 studies concluded that this ancient Chinese practice could increase the effectiveness of sleep medications and herbal remedies by helping participants sleep peacefully at night more often. The review found that acupuncture lengthened the total sleep time of participants both when used as a standalone treatment and in conjunction with other insomnia treatment methods.

In addition to using acupuncture for insomnia in Walnut Creek, establish healthy sleep habits. Develop a relaxing bedtime routine. Exercise every day. Cut down on sugar, and maintain a balanced diet.

At Monarch Acupuncture & Wellness, we use acupuncture to treat a number of health issues. Our trained acupuncturists have mastered different TCM techniques designed to help achieve harmony between the mind, body, and soul. Schedule an appointment online with one of our acupuncturists.