Insomnia, the failure to fall asleep or stay asleep, affects a big portion of the population and can have a profound influence on one’s overall well-being and quality of life. While different factors contribute to insomnia, its treatment often focuses on addressing the underlying causes. Without further ado, we will go through the causes, diagnosis and learn about Acupuncture as a natural and effective treatment for insomnia.
Is Insomnia A Severe Disorder?
Insomnia can lead to daytime fatigue, decreased cognitive function, mood disturbances, and an overall decline in quality of life. There are two main types of insomnia: acute, which is short-term and often related to a specific event or circumstance, and chronic, which persists for at least three nights a week for three months or longer. Insomnia can have negative effects on your body, including stress, anxiety, depression, lifestyle factors, medical conditions, medications, and environmental factors. Here are eight precautions one can take to prevent or alleviate insomnia symptoms such as:
- Establishing a regular sleep schedule:
Try setting a schedule early and try to go to bed and wake up at a similar time each day, even on weekends.
- Creating a Relaxing Bedtime Routine
Develop a routine that prepares your mind and body for sleep, like taking a warm bath, reading a book, or rehearsing relaxation methods like deep breathing or meditation.
- Avoiding Stimulants
Limit your consumption of caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, especially in the evening.
- Creating a Comfortable Sleep Atmosphere
Make sure your bedroom is quiet, cool, and dark and that your bed and pillows are comfortable.
- Limiting Daytime Naps
If you must nap, keep it short (20-30 minutes) and avoid napping in the late afternoon or evening.
- Exercising Regularly
- Regular physical activity can enhance sleep quality but prevent exercising too close to bedtime.
- Managing Stress
Try to reduce stress and anxiety through techniques like mindfulness, yoga, or talking to a therapist.
By taking these precautions, you can promote better sleep and reduce the likelihood of insomnia symptoms. However, if your insomnia persists, it is significant to consult a healthcare provider to verify the underlying produces and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Diagnosis of Insomnia and How to Stop It Early?
Diagnosing insomnia involves a detailed evaluation of sleep patterns, symptoms, and potential underlying causes. A healthcare provider may conduct a detailed sleep history and may sometimes require the use of sleep monitoring devices or sleep studies to assess sleep quality and rule out other sleep disorders. Additionally, a thorough examination of medical history, medication use, and lifestyle factors will help determine the primary and contributing factors to insomnia, which can guide the treatment approach.
Potential of Acupuncture for Insomnia
Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese healing technique, has gained recognition as a potential therapy for various health conditions, including insomnia. The treatment includes the inserting of fine needles into specific points on the body, stimulating the flow of energy or Qi. Acupuncture is believed to help restore the body’s balance, promote relaxation, and regulate various physiological functions. When it comes to insomnia, Acupuncture offers a drug-free, non-invasive approach that targets the root causes of sleep disturbances.
How Acupuncture Works for Insomnia
Acupuncture for insomnia primarily focuses on promoting better sleep by addressing the fundamental factors contributing to sleep disturbances. The treatment involves selecting specific acupuncture points known to influence sleep patterns and induce relaxation. By stimulating these points, acupuncture helps regulate the nervous system, reduce mental and physical tension, and promote the release of endorphins, which aid in relaxation. Chinese Medicine Care is the best option, where there are experienced and skilled doctors to cure insomnia through acupuncture. They have safe techniques that they practice carefully to cure their patients.
How Research Shows Acupuncture Aids in Better Sleep?
In 2017, a small study was conducted to compare the results of traditional acupuncture and sham acupuncture on 72 people with primary insomnia. The participants were treated three times a week for four weeks. The outcomes showed that acupuncture was more effective than sham acupuncture in improving insomnia symptoms, sleep efficiency, and total sleep time during the treatment period. Furthermore, two and four weeks after the treatment, people’s sleep disturbances and self-reported anxiety significantly improved.
Book A Free Consultation Today
Insomnia can be challenging since this sleep disorder affects many aspects of daily life. Acupuncture is a proven approach to improve sleep quality and increase sleep efficiency, targeting the underlying causes. So, if you or your loved one happens to be the victim of insomnia, don’t delay and book a consultation instantly with Chinese Medicine Care. Our acupuncturist will hear your concerns patiently and recommend an acupuncture session based on your sleeping pattern and other health issues.