How Acupuncture Can Help Overcome Chronic Insomnia

Millions suffer with insomnia, a sleep disorder that can affect the entire body. Patients may have difficulty falling and/or staying asleep, and this lack of sleep can lead to tiredness during the day, lethargy, and feeling under the weather. Insomnia takes a toll on the body, both physically and mentally.

There are three types of insomnia:
 

• Transient
• Acute
• Chronic

Insomnia can affect either sex at any age, but is most common in adult females. It can affect school grades and one's performance at work, and can even lead to further complications, such as anxiety, obesity, depression, poor concentration, irritability, loss of memory, lowered immune system, and delayed reaction time.

Studies have shown that people with and without major health issues can benefit from acupuncture, and it has been found to be very beneficial to those suffering with insomnia. Acupuncture can also help to relieve chronic pain, which is one common cause of insomnia.

A 2004 report stated that people suffering from anxiety use acupuncture to increase their melatonin production, thus increasing their sleep time. Those patients using acupuncture were falling asleep quicker, stayed asleep longer, and experienced less stress.

In other studies, it was found that acupuncture helped HIV patients who were experiencing insomnia. After five weeks of acupuncture treatments their sleep patterns improved.

Acupuncture is a holistic treatment with its beginnings in ancient China. Now widely practiced, it is growing in popularity as a natural remedy for insomnia and many other health issues. An acupuncturist insert hair-thin needles into specific points around the body, and the needling of these points can help induce a deep relaxation, thereby providing relief for many problems, including insomnia.

Symptoms of Insomnia

Insomnia can be experienced as infrequently as once a month, or last as long as several years in some cases. Insomnia has many distinct symptoms. Sufferers may not be able to fall asleep at night, and even avoidance of stimulants such as caffeine and establishing a routine bedtime don't help in severe cases. Some sufferers can go for several nights without rest, and still be unable to fall asleep.

Once an insomnia sufferer does fall asleep, he/she may not be able stay asleep. Many wake up often during the night, and even if it is only for a few moments, it interrupts the normal sleep pattern. Others may find themselves wide awake after only four to five hours of sleep.

Adults require seven to eight hours of sleep each night in order to remain healthy. This is why Acupuncture Remedies can be extremely beneficial. Not only can acupuncture help a patient get the rest they need, but it can also help prevent future health conditions related to lack of sleep.

Any one of these symptoms can leave a person feeling tired throughout the day, and untreated, insomnia can lead to both physical and mental conditions. There are many prescription drugs available to help patients get the sleep they need, but they may come with unwanted and dangerous side effects.

How Acupuncture Helps One Get the Sleep They Need

Acupuncture is one of the Natural Insomnia Remedies that has been proven to be effective in helping sufferers get enough sleep each night. This holistic practice works by relieving certain causes of insomnia which may be the root of the condition. It also helps to bring the body and mind back into alignment, and leaves the patient feeling calm and ready for a peaceful night's sleep.

Stress is one of the leading causes of insomnia. Modern lifestyles put us under a lot of pressure both at home and at work. In addition, modern technology can allow our jobs and responsibilities to follow us where ever we go, making it hard to get away from it all for a much needed break. Stress can rob us of our sleep. With regular acupuncture treatments, the effects of stress can be greatly reduced.

Depression and anxiety are also becoming more and more common, and both can keep us awake at night. The mind can race with thoughts that block the body from falling asleep. Treatments for anxiety, such as acupuncture, can help calm the body and mind, making falling asleep easier.

No matter what type of insomnia you suffer with, acupuncture can be a beneficial treatment without unwanted side effects. By treating the cause of this condition, you will soon be experiencing a peaceful night's sleep.

Robert Vena
NJ Acupuncturist
Acupuncture-in-NJ.com