I always can’t sleep at night…
I’m always having anxiety, then I get heart palpitations, then I panic…
I keep tossing and turning, I just can’t sleep…
I finally get to sleep, but I keep dreaming…
I’m a light sleeper, I’ll wake to the slightest bit of disturbance…
I feel like my body, and even soul, is being emptied of energy, I’m just so tired…
After prolonged periods of insomnia, hair loss starts to set in, my skin feels loose, my complexion looks darker and pigmented, pores get enlarged, wrinkles start forming, and these eye bags and dark eye circles can’t seem to go away!
With each day of insomnia, my body seems to deteriorate, and I can’t help but worry how much longer my body can take this all.
Insomnia is getting more common, especially in face of the many dilemmas and difficulties of waking life and work, which draws out feelings of anxiety, depression, agitation, and anger, often accompanied by overthinking, or an overactive mind, all of which could aggravate or lead to insomnia.
In fact, the lack of sleep for just one night can cause reduction in brain tissues. Imagine the serious effects of prolonged insomnia…
Reduced Immunity
Insufficient sleep of less than 6 hours, over a period of one week, leads to changes in over 700 genes. Insomnia may lower a person’s immunity, contribute to irritability, and increase one’s risk of heart disease, breast cancer, stroke, diabetes, etc.
Premature Aging: Reduced Mental Ability
Insomnia causes premature aging, and interferes with memory, attention, and logical thinking, resulting in reduced mental ability.
Endocrine Changes
Insomnia, or insufficient sleep, may affect our endocrine system, slow down metabolism, and promote obesity. Poor blood circulation of the skin causes reduced skin moisture, resulting in dry, wrinkled skin; it also promotes pigmentation, resulting in dull facial appearance.
Acupuncture is a Safe and Effective way of treating insomnia
Acupuncture treatment helps to increase the release of natural melatonin in our body that quiets the mind, helps to relax, and decreases stress to improve our sleep. The advantage of acupuncture in the treatment of insomnia is that it is non-toxic and not as dependent as drugs. TCM advocates gradual adjustments in strengthening the body’s constitution, and to gradually restore normal body functions. As a final note, our TCM physician gently reminds patients with insomnia to pay attention to the following matters:
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Develop regular work and rest habits. Soaking your feet in warm water before going to bed helps promote good sleep
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Avoid having late dinner, and do not overeat in the evening/night. Keep to a light meal for dinner. Avoid eating 2 hours before bedtime. Do not drink strong tea, coffee, or other caffeinated beverages before going to bed
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Choose light and easily-digestible foods on a daily basis, such as beans, milk, cereals, eggs, fish, winter melon, spinach, apples, oranges, etc
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Exercise regularly, stay open-minded, and cultivate good personal hobbies