Skip the Pills: Use Acupuncture to Improve Your Sleep

If you’re struggling with sleepless nights, tossing and turning and waking up feeling tired, you're not alone. About 13.5% of adults older than 18 report feeling exhausted or tired most days. More than a third of Americans get less than seven hours of sleep a night, and 30% of adults have symptoms of insomnia. 

Many factors contribute to poor sleep, including stress, anxiety, and hormones. While medications may offer temporary relief, they often come with unwanted side effects and the risk of dependency.

Acupuncture is a natural alternative that can help improve your sleep without the need for pills. At Minnesota Integrative Medicine & Acupuncture in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, Kierstin Beaman, DACM, uses acupuncture to promote better sleep. 

Read on to learn more about how this ancient Chinese healing technique can help you wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

How acupuncture targets sleep

Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to promote balance and stimulate the body's natural healing response. When it comes to sleep, Dr. Beaman targets key acupuncture points associated with relaxation, stress reduction, and improved sleep quality. 

Stimulating these points helps regulate the body's internal clock, calm the mind, and promote restful sleep. Research has confirmed that acupuncture appears to effectively treat some aspects of insomnia. 

Benefits of acupuncture for sleep

Some of the benefits of using acupuncture as a natural remedy for sleep problems include:

Stress reduction

Acupuncture helps alleviate stress and tension in the body, which can interfere with sleep. High levels of stress can make it hard for you to fall asleep and lead to fragmented sleep. 

By promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety, acupuncture can create the optimal conditions for falling asleep and staying asleep throughout the night.

Improved sleep quality

Acupuncture can enhance the quality of your sleep by regulating sleep patterns and promoting deeper, more restorative sleep cycles. This helps you wake up feeling more refreshed and energized.

Hormonal balance

Researchers have confirmed that acupuncture can help balance hormones that play a role in sleep, such as melatonin and cortisol. By restoring hormonal equilibrium, acupuncture can support healthy sleep-wake cycles and promote better overall sleep health.

Enhanced circulation

Acupuncture improves blood flow throughout the body, including to the brain. This increased circulation can help nourish the brain and nervous system, leading to improved sleep patterns and cognitive function.

What it’s like to get acupuncture to improve your sleep

During an acupuncture session focused on improving sleep, Dr. Beaman uses her expertise to select specific points on your body to target. She bases treatment on your individual needs and concerns. 

Acupuncture needles are thin, and most people feel no pain during a session. You may feel a slight pinch or tingling at the insertion site, but this typically dissipates quickly. The experience can be deeply relaxing.

If you’re ready to feel rested and refreshed, call Minnesota Integrative Medicine & Acupuncture at 651-272-7998, or book an appointment online today.