Acupuncture for Insomnia Treatment
If you consistently don’t get enough sleep, you are at risk for high blood pressure, headaches and other complications of insomnia. Insomnia is defined as difficulty falling asleep or maintaining sleep accompanied by sleep-related daytime impairment. Sleep deprivation also puts you at risk for car accidents and accidents in your home, making it more dangerous than many people realize. Our practitioners use acupuncture to help people with insomnia have an easier time falling asleep and staying asleep.
Sleep Disturbances
Difficulty falling asleep is not the only form of insomnia. You may also have insomnia if you wake up too early in the morning, experience poor sleep on a consistent basis, or wake up frequently during the night.
Signs and Symptoms of Insomnia
Daytime drowsiness and fatigue are among the most common symptoms of insomnia, but you may also experience the following:
- Inability to fall asleep even when you are tired
- Irritability
- Difficulty performing normal activities
- Tension headaches
- Anxiety at bedtime
- Difficulty concentrating
Why is Insomnia Dangerous?
In addition to making you fatigue and increasing your risk of falling asleep at the wheel, insomnia has several negative effects on your body. Your body produces some hormones at night, so you may experience hormonal imbalances if you don’t get enough sleep. You also need a good night’s sleep to recharge your brain. If you don’t get enough sleep, you may have memory problems or trouble learning. Insomnia is also linked to diabetes and chronic inflammation.
What Causes Insomnia?
Researchers aren’t sure what causes primary insomnia, which is insomnia that is not a result of another medical condition. Several conditions increase the likelihood of developing insomnia.
- Menopause
- Acid reflux
- Chronic pain
- Arthritis
- Heart disease
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sleep apnea
- Substance abuse
Insomnia is also linked to advancing age, too much computer work, and the use of certain medications.
Are You at Risk?
Several risk factors increase the risk that someone will develop insomnia. If any of these apply to you, they may be responsible for your sleep difficulties.
- Working night shift
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Excessive computer work
- Working swing shifts
- Elderly age
- Female
- Depression
Acupuncture for Insomnia Treatment
Acupuncture has been proven beneficial for people who have insomnia and other sleep disorders. During an acupuncture for insomnia treatment, your brain receives complex signals, triggering the release of serotonin and other chemicals that promote restful sleep. If you have trouble falling asleep or sleeping through the night, acupuncture at several points in the ear may relieve your symptoms. Some studies have shown acupuncture to be as much as 90 percent effective at treating insomnia, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Herbal Medicine for Insomnia Treatment
Some herbal medicines also promote restful sleep without making you groggy like prescription sleep medications would. You’ll work with one of our practitioners to find out which treatments are most effective for relieving your symptoms and helping you fall asleep and stay asleep through the night.
Balanced Approach to Health
If you are interested in using acupuncture, herbal medicine, and other complementary and alternative treatments to relieve your insomnia, schedule an appointment at Acupuncture Balanced Health. You’ll meet with one of our caring practitioners in a relaxing, comfortable environment.