Acupuncture for Insomnia
Insomnia
Insomnia, characterised by difficulties in falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, or early morning awakenings, can significantly impact an individual's well-being. The NHS defines it as chronic when it persists for three nights a week or more, over a month.
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Numerous factors contribute to insomnia, including stress, anxiety, depression, environmental factors like noise or room temperature, alcohol, caffeine, medications, physical illness, and pain.
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Renowned sleep expert Matthew Walker underscores the detrimental effects of insomnia on the brain and overall health. It impairs memory, focus, concentration, and emotional control and has been linked to a shorter lifespan. Insomnia also negatively impacts the cardiovascular system, metabolism, reproductive system, immune system, and causes inflammation.
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Insomnia can affect individuals of any age group. Older adults may struggle with sleep maintenance, women may face issues related to their menstrual cycle, perimenopause, or menopause, while teens contend with biological changes that push them towards a later "night owl" sleep schedule.
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Addressing the underlying causes of insomnia and implementing strategies to improve sleep hygiene are crucial for managing this condition and promoting overall health and well-being.
Why choose Acupuncture for Insomnia?
Acupuncture's influence on various physiological pathways underscores its potential as a holistic treatment for insomnia. Research indicates that acupuncture regulates the release of serotonin, a precursor to melatonin, the hormone responsible for signaling the body to rest. By promoting purinergic signaling, acupuncture enhances communication between tissues, involving neurotransmitters like adenosine and ATP, which play roles in sleep regulation.
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Moreover, acupuncture regulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the body's primary system for hormone regulation and stress response. By modulating this axis, acupuncture helps restore hormonal balance, promoting a healthy physiological stress response.
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Furthermore, acupuncture modulates the parasympathetic nervous system, associated with relaxation, digestion, and rest. By enhancing parasympathetic activity, acupuncture promotes a state of calm and relaxation conducive to sleep.
Overall, acupuncture's multifaceted effects on neurotransmitters, hormonal pathways, and nervous system regulation make it a promising therapeutic option for addressing insomnia and promoting restful sleep.