When the turning and tossing in bed become more frequent, and begin to affect energy and mental clarity during the day, sleeplessness is called insomnia. Insomnia includes difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, early-morning awakening, and unrefreshing sleep. These kinds of poor sleep patterns affect almost two out of three Americans. People who suffer from insomnia tend to complain of memory problems, lack of concentration, depression, and the inability to be effective at work.

As it becomes a chronic condition, insomnia can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chronic pain, stress and anxiety, depression, and alcohol and drug abuse. Likewise, these same conditions can be the causes of lying awake at night. Other contributing factors include pregnancy, menopause, and sleep apnea. Insomnia can also be one of many symptoms of a neurological disease that requires medical attention.

In Chinese medicine, nighttime is yin time--or, simply, when the body takes care of itself instead of your desires. Proper sleep is required for your body to repair itself and regenerate. To reach deep, restful sleep, your spirit and heart must be calm and your liver and spleen net­works must work together to process nutrients.
Excessive worry, anxiety, and depression all affect the delicate balance of the liver, spleen, and heart, causing disturbances to the spirit and activating the mind. Once the mind is active, it becomes harder to fall asleep.

Acupuncture & Insomnia
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 sometime, 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 4 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 to early, daytime fatigue and irritability, frustration and moodiness.
Insomnia can be very frustrating, but it’s more than an annoyance. When insomnia becomes ongoing, or chronic, your body is unable to get the rest and renewal it needs so that you can feel your best.  In fact, a lack of quality sleep can cause problems such as difficulty concentrating, diminished energy, low mood, and trouble performing everyday tasks. Since sleep strengthens the immune system, insomnia can leave you susceptible to many other health concerns. Luckily, you don’t have to just “put up with “chronic insomnia.
How acupuncture can help. According to the theories of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), conditions such as insomnia are a sign of an imbalance in Qi (pronounced “chee”), the vital energy that animates the body and protects it from illness.
This imbalance can stem from a number of causes such as stress, anxiety, medications, depression, and chronic pain. To determine the underlying causes of your insomnia, your acupuncturist will take into account many factors, including your lifestyle and emotional and mental well-being. They will then work to restore the balance and flow of Qi by inserting fine, sterile needles at specific points along the body. Your acupuncturist may also suggest aromatherapy, yoga, meditation or other additional therapies. You may find that you sleep better after your very first session, though you will most likely receive the most benefit from a series of treatments.
Your acupuncturist can get to the root of your sleep issues by taking into account all of the factors that may contribute to your sleep disturbance. 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.