Sleep is a natural occurrence that should come easily. However, nearly 1 in 4 Americans have trouble sleeping, of which the causes are broad. Sleep can be affected by stress, anxiety, hormone imbalances, poor sleep habits, overwork, or recent jet lag. Most of these causes affect sleep temporarily and can usually resolve on its own. But for some people, sleep difficulty can become a chronic issue and wreak havoc on so many aspects of a person’s life. For instance, digestive complaints, stress, fertility challenges, menstrual problems, and pain, all flare-up when a person has trouble sleeping. That’s why seeking acupuncture for any sleep issue (new or chronic) is so important.
The good news is, acupuncture can help you sleep, regardless of your situation. Read on to learn more.
How Can Acupuncture Help You Sleep?
Acupuncture works by activating the circulatory, endocrine, immune, and nervous systems. All of these systems play a crucial role in aiding sleep in their own unique way. However, regulating the endocrine and nervous systems is critical when addressing a person’s inability to sleep. The endocrine system fuels our hormone response. The primary sleep hormone, melatonin, for example, plays a vital role is a person’s sleep cycle.
When treating a patient who has trouble sleeping, acupuncturists will inquire about the person’s nighttime routine, work schedule, eating habits, sleep environment, and other aspects of their lifestyle. We also consider diet, daily activity levels, and vitamin intake. One surprising but major consideration we look into is the person’s digestion. Studies show that aside from insomnia, an unhealthy gut can have severe implications on a person’s overall health.
What Else Can You Expect During Your Treatment For Sleep?
Acupuncturists also prescribe Chinese herbal medicine when treating a patient for sleep issues. These formulas complement the weekly acupuncture treatments as a way to bring the treatment home with you. They are customized specifically for each case, and sometimes different formulas are given depending on the progression of treatment. For example, a patient comes in originally for sleep issues. The formula given will include ingredients that balance her sleep cycle. After taking this formula for a couple of weeks, the patient notices improvement in her sleep, but then has a rather stressful week at work. A different formula is then prescribed to help still maintain the progress made with her sleep, but that also targets her high stress.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine work exceptionally well when used together for addressing sleep issues. Book your appointment and see for yourself how a better night sleep can dramatically improve your life.
“My whole adult life, sleep has been difficult for me. I’d feel exhausted at the end of the day, but as soon as my head hit the pillow, I could NOT shut my mind off! I’d stay awake tossing and turning for sometimes 3-4 hours. Within 3 weeks of treatment with Ashleigh, I was able to fall asleep a lot faster.” -L.R