Acupuncture For Insomnia and Sleep Issues
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nsomnia is the most common sleeping disorder in America, and it impacts as many as 70 million people in the United States. Chronic sleep deprivation, if ignored or accepted as your "normal" sleep pattern, can cause damage to cognitive, social, and occupational functions. There are a number of other factors that may be causing poor sleep. Insomnia can also be caused by mood disorders and irregular sleep schedules. Late-night eating and alcohol consumption can disrupt sleep patterns. Also, certain medications may have sleep-compromising effects.
Acupuncture for sleep is one way to address this problem naturally and with minimal side effects. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, improve sleep quality, and even treat some of the symptoms of chronic pain and anxiety that can have a negative impact on quality of sleep. It can also be beneficial for people with insomnia arising from another condition. Acupuncture provides an alternative to harsh medications that can come with unwanted and even dangerous side effects. Read on to learn more about how acupuncture can help improve your quality of sleep!
Causes and Effects
Insomnia and sleep issues have a variety of causes, but the majority of cases are caused by emotional concerns like anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Other causes of sleep issues can stem from alcohol, caffeine, medications, some food, some substances, or neurological problems.
Insomnia can also be the result of health issues:
Asthma or COPD
Chronic Pain Due to Arthritis, Headaches, Injuries
Digestive Disorders: GERD or Heartburn
Hot Flashes or Menopause in Women
Restless Leg Syndrome
Sleep Apnea
The Good News: Acupuncture Improves Quality of Sleep
Acupuncture for insomnia and sleep issues can help you get a better night's sleep. But what exactly does it do?
Acupuncture is an ancient tradition that has been used for thousands of years to relieve pain and improve sleep. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, insomnia is caused by a blockage in the body's meridians, or energy pathways. As these pathways become blocked, they can cause illness, pain, and other symptoms. Acupuncture works to unblock these pathways, restoring flow and promoting balance and healing in the body.
Research studies have found that approximately 90% of people treated with acupuncture for insomnia and anxiety have experienced great relief. One study examined the effects of acupuncture on subjective and objective measures of sleep. Compared with other treatments, acupuncture significantly improved the mean TST score and increased the time spent in stages N1 and N3. In another clinical trial researchers evaluated the efficacy of acupuncture compared to a sleeping pill placebo, as well as sleeping pills with "sham" acupuncture (needles put into non-acupuncture locations), and sham acupuncture with a placebo pill. The acupuncture group without medication had the best results in terms of reported improved sleep quality, decreased weariness, vitality, and normal daytime functioning.
Acupuncture Reduces Cortisol Levels
Acupuncture can be a powerful therapy that can reduce cortisol levels and induce sleep. Cortisol is a hormone released from the adrenal glands when we are stressed, and this causes us to wake up frequently. A high level of cortisol causes the body to release adrenaline around 3am, which can keep you awake and prevent you from sleeping. Acupuncture reduces cortisol levels and induces a relaxing state, which helps the body return to its normal circadian rhythm. Research has also found that acupuncture cam increase melatonin production, leading the way not only for a better night’s rest but also an increase in overall well being. In clinical studies, patients who received acupuncture fell asleep faster, slept throughout the night without interruption, and experienced an overall deeper sleep for a longer period of time.
Acupuncture Reduces Co-Morbid Symptoms
Studies have shown that poor sleep can exacerbate the symptoms of mental illness. Additionally, certain medications can reduce the effectiveness of sleep-related treatments if patients have severe sleep disorders. Research has examined how to treat sleep disorders in association with mental illnesses. As good sleep is vital for both recovery and prevention, improving sleep habits is a first-line treatment for insomnia.
Acupuncture Reduces Anxiety
Researchers have found that acupuncture can reduce levels of anxiety, stress, and depression. Acupuncture is an effective treatment for anxiety and mental health because it supports the body’s ability to regulate the levels of stress hormones. Acupuncture can also help to increase serotonin levels, the hormone associated with feelings of happiness and well-being. Research has also shown that acupuncture can help to regulate the nervous system, reduce stress levels, and treat depression.
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The Points of Health in Orlando, Florida will work with you to find the root cause of your sleep issues and create a treatment plan specifically for you. This may include a combination of acupuncture, cupping, herbs, and nutrition. Book an Orlando acupuncture appointment now!
