Can acupuncture improve sleep?

Getting a good night’s rest is one of the best feelings in the world. It can give you feelings of confidence, provide mental clarity throughout your day, and basically improve multiple facets of your life. Sadly, poor sleep quality or not sleeping long enough is a problem for people in every corner of the globe.

In recent years, many people have used acupuncture for sleep disorders. In fact, some people swear by this form of Chinese traditional medicine, in which very thin needles are inserted into specific points of a person’s body to improve many different health problems. Let’s take a look at some of the ways that acupuncture is able to alleviate certain sleep problems, along with other methods you can try.

How Acupuncture for Sleep is Beneficial

It’s been shown that using acupuncture for sleep disorders is quite effective.

Here are some specific ways that treatments are helpful:

Acupuncture for Insomnia

Millions of people suffer from chronic insomnia. In severe cases, it can be very debilitating, negatively affecting a person’s work life and personal life. Acupuncture has been found effective in regulating the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, in addition to improving the production of certain hormones such as melatonin, which regulate sleep. It also treats issues like anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, all of which can lead to insomnia.

Acupuncture for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Many people also suffer from sleep apnea, which is a complete or partial blockage of a person’s upper airway while they sleep. This can result in loud snoring and is likely to interrupt your breathing, which leads to sleep issues and fatigue. Acupuncture is able to reduce inflammation and improve your upper airway’s functionality. This can improve your sleep quality and give you a better night’s rest.

Acupuncture for Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)

When you suffer from restless leg syndrome, you have an uncontrollable urge to move your legs. In many cases, people who suffer from RLS will also feel tingling, burning, itching, or aching. As you can imagine, this leads to a disruption of sleep, fatigue, and a variety of other health problems. If you suffer from this disorder, an acupuncturist will focus on improving your circulation, helping you relax, and lowering your stress level.

Acupuncture for Stress and Relaxation

Many people have trouble sleeping because they’re either stressed or anxious about something. If this is the case, then your acupuncture session will be used to help you relax. It’ll also focus on improving your circulation and reducing any muscle tension, both of which may be causing you distress. Let’s not forget that acupuncture helps with chronic pain as well, which can also be the source of your problems.

Acupuncture for Pain

If you suffer from chronic pain, it can be almost impossible to get to sleep. Even if you do finally fall asleep, you could awaken in the middle of the night multiple times because of stabbing pains or aches. One of the biggest uses of an acupuncture treatment is the reduction of pain by helping your body release endorphins and other neurotransmitters. This will help provide relief for you prior to falling asleep and while you’re sleeping.

Other Tips to Help You Achieve a Good Night’s Sleep

Using acupuncture for sleep disorders and underlying health problems is a great solution. Between sessions, you can help the process along by following these sleep aid tips:

  • Keep a Regular Sleep Schedule — One of the best ways to ensure that you’re getting good sleep is to create a regular sleep schedule. This helps improve your internal clock, which is often essential for healthy sleep.
  • Create a Bedtime Routine — Creating a bedtime routine will help prepare your body for sleep. This could include turning down the lights, switching off the TV, brushing your teeth, etc.
  • Avoid Stimulants Before Bed — Taking stimulants even an hour before bedtime can make it harder for you to fall asleep. This goes for any source of caffeine, such as soda and energy drinks.
  • Take a Hot Bath to Relax — A hot bath is soothing and is a great way to relax at night. Just soak in the bath for 20 or 30 minutes, and you’re likely to sleep better.
  • Create a Peaceful Environment — Creating a peaceful sleeping environment will make your night go more smoothly. This includes making sure that the bedroom is quiet and properly conditioned as well as using comfortable blankets, sheets, and pillows.
  • Get Plenty of Exercise — Exercising on a regular basis will help improve sleep. However, make sure that you don’t do this right before bedtime, or it may have the opposite effect.
  • Limit Screen Time Before Bed — The light emitted from computers, tablets, and smartphones has been known to interfere with a person’s sleep cycle. Avoid using any of these devices for an hour or two before heading to bed.

Contact East West Healing Solutions for Acupuncture Treatment

East West Healing Solutions uses acupuncture for sleep issues, stress, chronic pain, and many other ailments. If you have any questions about our services, call our staff at (727) 216-3972 today to schedule an appointment.