One of the more common symptoms our patients come in with is Insomnia – trouble falling or staying asleep. This often leads to a whole slew of other sleep deprivation “side effects”, such as fatigue, lack of focus, decrease in sexual drive, and poor memory.

Our patients often come to acupuncture late in the game, as a last resort, or when trying to get off sleep meds, and even then acupuncture does wonders for them. But regular acupuncture treatments can be highly beneficial in preventing sleep issues that may come up in the future.

The Clinical Evidence Behind Acupuncture for Insomnia and Sleep Issues

1. A preliminary report in 2004 concluded that, “Acupuncture increases nocturnal melatonin secretion and reduces insomnia and anxiety.”

2. Another study found that “sleep activity and sleep quality significantly improved following 5 weeks of individualized acupuncture delivered in a group setting”

3. Based“on the results of this study, “it can be concluded that true and individualized acupuncture indeed shows efficacy in primary sleep disorders.”

Not only can acupuncture be helpful for Insomnia itself, but can also help relieve many symptoms that cause disrupted sleep, including pain, restless legs, TMJ, and an overwhelmed mind.

If you are having trouble come try acupuncture, in the meantime here are 3 ‘sleep-better’ tips I often share with my patients:

3 Steps ‘sleep better tips’ from your acupuncturist:

1.  Turn off your screen
   Blue light (from our devices) signals daytime to our biology. For amazing sleep turn off your screens 2 hours before bed and read a book instead!

2. Go to bed when you are tired or around 10:30 pm
   This may seem like no-brainer, but we often push ourselves to stay up after our initial evening sleep signal. Go to bed when you FIRST get tired (even if its 8:30 pm)! And know that it’s natural to sleep more in the winter and less in the summer. Don’t let yourself get a second wind!

3. Make a bed journal - Get all your worrying over with before you go to bed.
   Worry and a busy or excited mind are often get in the way of falling asleep with ease. Use a journal make a list of any tasks you need to accomplish, any concerns you have, or things you need to remember. This will help assure your mind that it doesn’t need to keep track of the ‘to-dos’.

Well, I do hope you have beautiful and bountiful rest! If acupuncture has helped you sleep better, please share about your experience in the comment section below. And as always, please let me know if there is anything i can do for you.

With love,

Lance

Lance Isakov, L.Ac.,
Founder Village Wellness