Acupuncture for insomnia
Sleep issues effect many people in the UK and acupuncture has been shown to have a positive impact on both sleep duration and quality.
Insomnia
Insomnia is when someone regularly has issues with sleep which could include getting to sleep, waking too early, or waking during the night. Many people struggle to find effective treatment options as medications are not recommended long term.
Acupuncture and sleep
Bad sleep can have a negative impact on many areas of our physical and mental health, so the results from improving it can be widespread. Acupuncture has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment option for people experiencing insomnia and can improve both quality and duration.
The research for acupuncture and insomnia
SMost reviews are consistent in showing that acupuncture is significantly more effective than hypnotic drugs, without the associated side effects. There are now substantial numbers of randomised trials with positive results. Studies not only show an improvement in the total number of hours slept, but also sleep onset and sleep quality.
How acupuncture for insomnia works
Acupuncture is believed to stimulate the nervous system and cause the release of neurochemical messenger molecules. The resulting biochemical changes influence the body’s homeostatic mechanisms, promoting physical and emotional well-being.
Research has also shown that acupuncture treatment may benefit people with insomnia by:
– Increasing melatonin secretion
– Stimulating opioid production
– Increasing nitric oxide synthase activity and nitric oxide content, helping to promote normal function of brain tissues
– Increasing cerebral blood flow, reducing sympathetic nervous system activity, hence increasing relaxation, regulating levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, noradrenaline, dopamine, GABA and neuropeptide
Why choose acupuncture?
Insomnia at Brighton Acupuncture
Tam will take a thorough case history which delves into all aspects of your health and wellbeing, not just sleep and use this to create a tailored treatment plan.
