Acupuncture for Better Sleep
The American Sleep Association reports that nearly 70 million Americans have a sleep disorder
Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder, with 30% of adults experiencing short-term insomnia and about 10% of adults have long-lasting insomnia.
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Even though adults need at least seven hours of sleep per night, about 35% of people get less than that. These insomnia prevalence rates are shocking considering the toll insomnia can take on mental and physical health. Insomnia may result in fatigue, irritability and impaired memory or concentration and is associated with reduced quality of life.
Irregular or insufficient sleep may cause a cascading effect of chronic stress throughout the body that can affect the cardiovascular system, the metabolic system, and your body’s ability to regulate hormones.
Studies also show strong relationships between insomnia, chronic pain, gastrointestinal symptoms, and neurologic problems in addition to a significant correlation between insomnia and depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.
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Most common treatments for insomnia include prescription drugs that can cause a number of unwanted side effects. Studies show that acupuncture can improve the quality and duration of sleep. Most patients report improved sleep as quickly as the first night after treatment, but sustained results will likely require a series of regular treatments for maximum benefit.
Chinese Medicine is a natural, gentle - yet incredibly effective way to promote and improve sleep quality and enjoy the improvements in quality of life that come with better and more restful sleep!
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If you are unsure if acupuncture can help with your specific sleep concerns, call our office at (385)242-0649 or email info{at}flowacupuncture.org to answer any questions you may have.
Relief from chronic
or intermittent Insomnia
The term ‘insomnia’ may include difficulty falling asleep, trouble staying asleep, or early awakening despite the opportunity for sleep. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce insomnia and improve sleep in numerous research studies. A review of 33 acupuncture research studies looking at the effects of acupuncture on sleep showed acupuncture was as effective as prescription sleep medications to induce and promote longer periods of sleep. One study in particular compared acupuncture to prescription drug Zolpidem (also known by brand names: Ambien, Ambien CR, Intermezzo, or Edluar) in which both study groups achieved a similar amount of improved sleep. Therefore, we can suggest that acupuncture can be a safe and effective alternative to prescription sleep medications, without the many unwanted side effects.
Relief from unrestful
and poor quality sleep
For some people, getting to sleep may not be difficult - but sleeping lightly and waking up feeling unrested and groggy can be just as bad as no sleep at all. Acupuncture improved sleep quality scores in 30 research studies involving 2363 patients. Deeper and more restful sleep has been correlated with improved cognitive function, improved mood, better immune function, and more efficient metabolism. Most patients report improved sleep as quickly as the first night after treatment, but sustained results will likely require a series of regular treatments for maximum benefit.
Relief from vivid dreams
or nightmares
Acupuncture can help reduce vivid dreams and recurring nightmares which may affect sleep quality. Sometimes, dreams can be so intense and vivid that one can feel exhausted after a full night of dreaming. In Chinese Medicine, certain themes found in dreams can correlate to other health problems. Oftentimes, regulating other health issues in the body can reduce or eliminate strange, stressful, or scary dreams.
Regulation of sleep from jetlag or other disrupted
sleep patterns
Studies suggest that regular acupuncture can help boost your body’s natural production of melatonin. For anyone who may be sensitive to jetlag, travel frequently through different time zones, or work irregular hours or ‘swing shifts’- regular acupuncture may help regulate sleep patterns and prevent fatigue and other feelings of sleep deprivation.
