Insomnia and sleep issues are very common in the United States
and can contribute to many health issues. People who suffer from insomnia are
more likely to obtain serious health issues such as heart disease and diabetes.
Lack of sleep can also lead to depression, decreased productivity, increased
likelihood of accidents and much more. If you suffer from occasional sleep
issues/ insomnia, try some of our sleep tips below and think of incorporating
some acupuncture into your life! Acupuncture helps to naturally calm and rest
the body. Read some research on it here:
http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/827-sleepgv20ub62
Simple
Sleep Tips:
1) Make sure the room you are sleeping in is
quiet and without light
As
simple as this sounds, a room without sound or light plays a huge role in being
able to get into a healthy sleep rhythm. Our
bodies naturally perceive light
and sound as clues to morning coming and will put you into a lighter sleep. If
your surroundings aren't exactly serine, try earplugs and possibly a sleep
mask.
2) Try to have the same sleep routine every night
and go to bed at the same time to help establish your circadian
rhythm.
3) Limit Caffeine and Alcohol
This is especially important 2 hours before bed. Caffeine is a central nervous
system stimulant and can both increase the time needed to fall asleep as well as
decrease the time spent sleeping. Alcohol on the other hand is a sedative; why
would this be a bad thing for sleep? Alcohol will actually make you fall asleep
faster, however it decreases the amount of time spent in REM sleep and increase
the amount of times waking throughout the night.
4) Try some herbal tea and (raw)
honey
Some herbal teas that promote sleepiness and relaxation
include chamomile and peppermint. The warmth of the tea alone will
also increase relaxation and promote sleepiness. A
teaspoon of honey can also help sleep by increasing the stores of energy for the
brain at night without the dramatic blood sugar spike from white
sugar.
5) Try one of the following *
Tryptophan - An amino acid that is known best for creating sleepiness
after a turkey dinner. Our bodies ultimately convert tryptophan to seratonin, a
neurotransmitter that helps with many things including mood, sleep, and
energy.
Valerian Root - This root is good for
people trying to wean themselves off sleeping pills as it acts as a sedative on
the brain and nervous system. Since it is a sedative, it really should only be
used short term.
*If you have any health issues, please consult
your doctor before adding any new supplements into your diet
6)
Acupuncture can help!
We don't
get many people in the office that specifically want treatment for sleep issues.
However, during all intakes, the subject of sleep comes up and it is amazing how
many people have trouble in this area! Acupuncture treats a person as a whole,
and lack of sleep can effect and exacerbate so many conditions. We very
frequently end up treating sleep conditions as well as the main complaint.
People are amazed when their sleep is improved and they are sleeping deeper and
longer! http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/827-sleepgv20ub62
and can contribute to many health issues. People who suffer from insomnia are
more likely to obtain serious health issues such as heart disease and diabetes.
Lack of sleep can also lead to depression, decreased productivity, increased
likelihood of accidents and much more. If you suffer from occasional sleep
issues/ insomnia, try some of our sleep tips below and think of incorporating
some acupuncture into your life! Acupuncture helps to naturally calm and rest
the body. Read some research on it here:
http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/827-sleepgv20ub62
Simple
Sleep Tips:
1) Make sure the room you are sleeping in is
quiet and without light
As
simple as this sounds, a room without sound or light plays a huge role in being
able to get into a healthy sleep rhythm. Our
bodies naturally perceive light
and sound as clues to morning coming and will put you into a lighter sleep. If
your surroundings aren't exactly serine, try earplugs and possibly a sleep
mask.
2) Try to have the same sleep routine every night
and go to bed at the same time to help establish your circadian
rhythm.
3) Limit Caffeine and Alcohol
This is especially important 2 hours before bed. Caffeine is a central nervous
system stimulant and can both increase the time needed to fall asleep as well as
decrease the time spent sleeping. Alcohol on the other hand is a sedative; why
would this be a bad thing for sleep? Alcohol will actually make you fall asleep
faster, however it decreases the amount of time spent in REM sleep and increase
the amount of times waking throughout the night.
4) Try some herbal tea and (raw)
honey
Some herbal teas that promote sleepiness and relaxation
include chamomile and peppermint. The warmth of the tea alone will
also increase relaxation and promote sleepiness. A
teaspoon of honey can also help sleep by increasing the stores of energy for the
brain at night without the dramatic blood sugar spike from white
sugar.
5) Try one of the following *
Tryptophan - An amino acid that is known best for creating sleepiness
after a turkey dinner. Our bodies ultimately convert tryptophan to seratonin, a
neurotransmitter that helps with many things including mood, sleep, and
energy.
Valerian Root - This root is good for
people trying to wean themselves off sleeping pills as it acts as a sedative on
the brain and nervous system. Since it is a sedative, it really should only be
used short term.
*If you have any health issues, please consult
your doctor before adding any new supplements into your diet
6)
Acupuncture can help!
We don't
get many people in the office that specifically want treatment for sleep issues.
However, during all intakes, the subject of sleep comes up and it is amazing how
many people have trouble in this area! Acupuncture treats a person as a whole,
and lack of sleep can effect and exacerbate so many conditions. We very
frequently end up treating sleep conditions as well as the main complaint.
People are amazed when their sleep is improved and they are sleeping deeper and
longer! http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/827-sleepgv20ub62
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