Project Description
Acupuncture for Insomnia
Insomnia is classified in three ways:
Difficulty falling asleep | Frequently waking up | Early morning waking.
We all suffer from sleeplessness at some time. However, when this condition continues as insomnia it can be hugely debilitating, leading on to tiredness, inability to concentrate, mood changes etc. At this time, it can start to interfere with work or relationships creating more stress and anxiety which causes further stress and adds to the problem. Acupuncture can help beat insomnia as it stimulates the nervous system which causes a release of neuro-chemical messengers which influence the body’s homeostatic mechanisms, and this promotes physical and emotional well-being. Stimulation of certain acupuncture points has been shown to affect areas of the brain that are known to reduce sensitivity to pain and stress, as well as promoting relaxation and de-activating the “analytical” brain which is responsible for insomnia and anxiety.
Here at Log House Clinic we have extensive experience with insomnia and many patients experience a huge improvement in their sleep even if it was not the main condition they came to us with in the first place.
At Log House Clinic we have extensive experience treating insomnia
Research shows that acupuncture may benefit people with insomnia by:
Increasing nocturnal endogenous melatonin secretion (Spence et al 2004).
Stimulating opioid product and opioid receptor activity (Cheng et al 2009).
Increasing nitric oxide synthase activity and nitric oxide content, promoting normal function of brain tissues, which can help to regulate sleep (Gao et al 2007).
Increasing cerebral blood flow (Yan 2010).
Reducing sympathetic nervous system activity, increasing relaxation (Lee 2009).
Regulating levels of neurotransmitters (or their modulators) such as serotonin, noradrenaline, dopamine, GABA and neuropeptide Y; and altering the brains’ mood chemistry increasing relaxation and reduce tension (Lee 2009, Samuels 2008, Zhou 2008).
