You settle into a warm, comfortable bed, close your eyes and nothing happens. You just can’t fall asleep! Hours go by and still you’re awake. The next day you feel tired, grouchy, and are unable to focus. Does this sound familiar?
Sleepless nights happen to almost everyone at some time, but ongoing insomnia can indicate a deeper issue and could lead to further health concerns. Unfortunately, a common approach to treating insomnia includes prescription sleeping medications, which can cause side effects or even dependence. That’s one of the many reasons to consider an all-natural approach to treating your sleep problems. Acupuncture can be a very effective way to improve your sleep quality without side effects.
One bad night…or an ongoing issue? Occasional insomnia is a very common problem, affecting about one in four Americans. It can happen to anyone, but is more common in older adults. Its symptoms include:
Difficulty falling asleep
Waking up during the night
Waking up too early
Daytime fatigue and irritability
Frustration and moodiness
According to the theories of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), insomnia can stem from a number of causes such as stress, anxiety, medications, depression, and chronic pain. To determine the underlying causes of your insomnia, Pratitioners take into account many factors, including your lifestyle and emotional and mental well-being.
With this ancient form of healthcare, you can treat your symptoms, improve your overall health and well-being, and start looking forward to a great night’s sleep, every night.
Some of My Favorite Tips for Healthy Sleep
Eat a diet high in magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and vitamins B and E. These vitamins and minerals are easily depleted by stress. Good foods to eat are apricots, melon, asparagus, avocados, bananas, broccoli, dried fruit, figs, and green leafy vegetables.
Avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, cola, chocolate), tobacco, alcohol, and sugar whenever possible and especially close to bedtime.
Do something that reduces stress and helps you wind down from your day. This could be a drinking a glass of bedtime tea, taking a warm bath, or reading for fun.
Regular exercise is beneficial to reduce stress and insomnia. Just make sure you do vigorous exercise 2hrs or more before bed.
Noise and bright lights can be disturbing to mental health and cause stress. Try to dim the lights and spend some time being quiet before bed.
If Insomnia is do to overwork, do not work in the bedroom and remove anything that may be a reminder of the office or work.
Do your best to prepare for upcoming stressful events ahead of time. Ask for help from family and friends when stress becomes intolerable. Shift your outlook and look at changes in a positive way and as challenges, rather than threats.
Turn off the your screens at least 1/2 hour before bed. TV can stimulate your mood and emotions, leading to less restful sleep
Try a few of these suggestions for a couple weeks and watch your sleep improve!
Opmerkingen