If you are a sufferer of poor sleep you know how frustrating it can be to spend the night tossing and turning and not being able to sleep. If you have trouble going to sleep or you wake often during the night, acupuncture may be something which can help you return to a peaceful nights sleep.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare over 48% of Australians suffer from some sort of sleep problem. Furthermore over a quarter of children aged 12-13 and over half of 16-17 year olds get less than the recommended amount of sleep for their age. The cause of insomnia can be varied, from emotional stress, poor diet, over consumption of caffeine and alcohol or prescription medication. Research has certainly found link between insomnia and over all risk of chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Traditional medical treatments involve using sedatives, which are often addictive and do not address the cause of the problem.

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical technique that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions, including sleep disorders and in recent years, acupuncture has gained popularity in the Western world as an alternative and complementary therapy for insomnia and other sleep-related issues.

In this Shine Health blog post, we will explore the benefits of acupuncture for sleep, backed by research and clinical evidence.

Acupuncture is a technique where a highly trained Acupuncturist inserts very  thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body, which are connected to energy pathways or meridians. By stimulating these points, acupuncture aids to balance the flow of Qi energy and promote healing.

With its growing popularity world wide, Acupuncture and Chinese medicine has attracted a lot of research for a variety of health concerns. Research has found that one of the most significant benefits of acupuncture for sleep is its ability to reduce insomnia symptoms. A 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis of 46 randomized controlled trials found that acupuncture was more effective than no treatment or sham acupuncture for improving sleep quality and reducing the severity of insomnia. The study concluded that acupuncture can be considered a viable treatment option for people with insomnia.

Acupuncture has also been shown to improve sleep duration and reduce sleep latency, or the amount of time it takes to fall asleep. In a 2019 study published in the Journal of Sleep Research, participants who received acupuncture treatment had significantly better sleep quality, duration, and latency compared to those who received no treatment. The researchers concluded that acupuncture could be a promising non-pharmacological treatment for insomnia.

Another benefit of acupuncture for sleep is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety, which are often associated with sleep disorders. Acupuncture has been shown to increase the production of endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood enhancers in the body. This can lead to a reduction in anxiety and an overall sense of well-being, which can improve sleep quality.

In conclusion, research has overall found a significant benefit of acupuncture for improving sleep quality, latency and duration.Hence, Acupuncture is a safe and effective therapy for improving sleep quality and reducing the severity of insomnia. If you are struggling with sleep issues, or stress related insomnia our Acupuncturists Marta and Trish can help you get the restful sleep you need. During a consultation your Acupuncturist will take a detailed case history to understand the pattern of your insomnia and how it can be addressed. The power of Chinese medicine diagnosis coupled with acupuncture is a beneficial and long lasting support for people suffering with poor sleep. To book your appointment call the clinic or book online to get sleeping soundly again.

References:

1. Cao H, Pan X, Li H, et al. Acupuncture for Treatment of Insomnia: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Altern Complement Med. 2009;15(11):1171-1186.
2. Lee EJ, Frazier SK. The Efficacy of Acupuncture for Treating Insomnia: A Systematic Review. J Acupunct Meridian Stud. 2015;8(5):229-242.
3. Wang Y, Liang FR, Huang Y, et al. Efficacy of acupuncture for primary insomnia: A randomized controlled clinical trial. Sleep Med. 2019;54:138-145.
4. Yeung WF, Chung KF, Tso KC, et al. Electroacupuncture for primary insomnia: a randomized controlled trial. Sleep. 2009;32(8):1039-1047.