How Acupuncture Can Help With Insomnia and Other Sleep Issues

Sleep is an essential part of maintaining overall health and wellbeing. In fact, after air, water and food, it’s probably the most important thing we need to survive. Yet sleep is something many people struggle with. In this blog, we’ll look more closely at insomnia and other sleep issues and see whether acupuncture can play a role in providing you a peaceful night’s rest.

The effects of insomnia and sleep issues

Whether it’s difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or waking up feeling unrested, sleep disorders can lead to a host of physical and mental health challenges. And if you suffer from one or all of these, you’ll know how debilitating it can be.

So debilitating that even just 24 hours without sleep can have a significant impact on you. Effects can include drowsiness and irritability, which can make it difficult to get through the next day. More serious, effects can also include impaired decision making, judgement and perception, impairments to your vision and hearing, reduced coordination and increased muscle tension, which can lead to a greater risk of accidents and injuries.

Studies have shown that 24 hours without sleep can be compared with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.10, double the legal driving limit. After three or four nights of no sleep you can start to hallucinate.

Understanding insomnia and sleep disorders

Insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders, characterised by difficulty falling or staying asleep, or waking up too early and not being able to get back to sleep. It can be a short-term issue caused by stress or lifestyle changes, or it can develop into a chronic problem that disrupts your daily life.

Other common sleep issues include restless sleep, sleep apnoea and disruptions to the body’s circadian rhythm.

The causes of sleep issues vary but often include stress, anxiety, poor sleep hygiene, medical conditions and lifestyle factors. Many people turn to medication to manage sleep problems, but medications often come with side effects and don’t address the root cause of the issue.

How Acupuncture Can Help with insomnia and sleep issues

Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to treat a wide range of health issues, including insomnia. It works by balancing the body’s flow of energy, or “Qi,” and promoting overall wellness. From a Western perspective, acupuncture stimulates the body’s nervous system and releases neurotransmitters like serotonin and melatonin, which are crucial for regulating sleep.

Here’s how acupuncture can benefit those suffering from insomnia and other sleep disorders:

• Stress and anxiety are major contributors to sleep problems. Acupuncture targets specific points in the body to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the “rest and digest” system. By calming the mind and reducing stress levels, acupuncture can make it easier for individuals to relax and fall asleep naturally.
• Hormonal imbalances can affect sleep patterns. Acupuncture helps regulate the release of melatonin, a hormone that signals to your body that it’s time to sleep. By restoring hormonal balance, acupuncture can help individuals with both falling asleep and maintaining a regular sleep cycle.
• Many people experience sleep disruption due to chronic pain or physical discomfort. Acupuncture helps relieve pain by releasing endorphins and promoting circulation. This not only helps ease discomfort but also creates a more conducive environment for restful sleep.
• While some people can fall asleep easily, they may wake up frequently throughout the night. Acupuncture addresses the underlying imbalances that cause fragmented sleep, helping individuals achieve deeper, more restful sleep. As the quality of sleep improves, patients often report feeling more energised and refreshed upon waking.

Tips for improving sleep naturally

Using acupuncture for insomnia and other sleep issues makes great sense. Using in conjunction with additional lifestyle changes (see below points) acupuncture can enhance sleep quality for most people.

Lifestyle changes to improve sleep:

• Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body’s internal clock.
• Engage in calming activities before bed, such as reading, meditating or taking a warm bath.
• Avoid screens at least an hour before bedtime.
• Both caffeine and alcohol can disrupt your sleep patterns. Try to avoid consuming these substances in the afternoon or evening.
• Make sure your bedroom is cool, dark and quiet. Consider using blackout curtains, earplugs or a white noise machine to minimise disruptions.
• Physical activity can promote better sleep but try to avoid exercising right before bedtime as it may make it harder to wind down.

Acupuncture for insomnia and other sleep issues in Melbourne: We’ve got your back

If you live in Melbourne and are suffering from insomnia or other sleep issues, acupuncture may be the solution you’ve been looking for.

At Melbourne Acupuncture & Wellness Centre, we specialise in holistic treatments that target the root causes of sleep disturbances. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you restore balance, reduce stress and achieve the restful sleep you need.