Natural Treatment for Insomnia
Melbourne Natural Medicine Clinic can provide a number of natural remedies for insomnia. Almost everyone experiences this condition at some point in their life, with around 10% of the population affected for six months or longer. Characterised by a habitual inability to sleep, insomnia can lead to issues including:
- Low mood
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Poor –memory
- Carelessness/clumsiness
- Feeling emotional
By seeking natural treatment for insomnia, you can take the necessary steps to reclaim your life and move forward, complete with an invigorated feeling of health and happiness. From nutritional and lifestyle advice through to massage and acupuncture for insomnia, we offer a range of options
INSOMNIA & THE IMPORTANCE OF SLEEP
Sleep is essential for healthy brain function, emotional wellbeing, and physical health. Most experts recommend that a healthy adult get 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night, but it’s also important to ensure you are getting ‘good-quality’ sleep. During sleep, the body moves through cycles called Rapid Eye Movement (REM) and non-REM (slow wave) sleep. To best benefit the body, these cycles must occur in a specific order and for a certain length of time. If you are not sleeping long enough, or if these cycles are being disturbed by any kind of insomnia, your brain is not getting the opportunity to rejuvenate, recover, and ‘reset’. Natural medicines for insomnia can help you to fall asleep and properly experience each cycle, giving you the rest you need.
WHAT’S KEEPING US AWAKE?
There are many triggers for sleep disturbance, but the most common one is stress. Research has found that there are often increased levels of stress hormones such as cortisol in people with sleeping problems and insomnia. So, if it takes you a long time to nod off – or if you’re frequently waking up at night and struggling to fall back asleep – you may have increased stress levels you need to address.
Other causes of insomnia or sleep disturbance that might be treated with natural medicines include gastrointestinal problems, chronic pain, and nasal allergies.
WE MAY HAVE THE ANSWER YOU’RE LOOKING FOR
The naturopaths at Melbourne Natural Medicine Clinic offer natural remedies for insomnia that may help you avoid those nights lying awake, including acupuncture for insomnia. A benefit of using natural medicines for insomnia is that, unlike other medications, they are not addictive and won’t lead to morning grogginess. More importantly, seeing a naturopath can help you address the underlying causes of sleeping difficulties such as stress, anxiety, and nutritional deficiencies.
ACUPUNCTURE FOR INSOMNIA
Originating in China over 2,000 years ago, acupuncture is a traditional technique that involves gently inserting needles into the skin to stimulate specific areas of the body with little to no discomfort. The practice looks at the mind and body as an interconnected holistic system. It therefore strives to identify, understand, and rectify the root cause of an illness or imbalance. As such, acupuncture for insomnia has become an increasingly popular treatment option for people of all ages.
Acupuncture can stimulate the nervous system, releasing and regulating neurochemicals that play a role in sleep. From reducing pain and stress levels through to increasing the secretion of melatonin, promoting opioid production, and increasing blood flow in the cerebrum, acupuncture for insomnia works to contribute to better and more restful sleep. Whether you’re finding it difficult to fall asleep or you’re waking up throughout the night and waking up feeling tired, our acupuncturists may be able to help.
TIPS FOR IMPROVING YOUR SLEEP
When used in combination with herbs and natural supplements, the following tips can help you get longer, better-quality shut-eye:
- Try going to bed at the same time each night to regulate your internal body clock
- Exercise regularly (but avoid it any less than two hours before bed)
- Avoid alcohol before bed
- Avoid stimulants like sugar and caffeine (even cutting down during the day can help)
- Make sure your bedroom is dark and used only for sleep and intimacy
- If you’re struggling to sleep, try not to get worked up about it
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY
Don’t lie awake all night! Seek a natural treatment for insomnia such as acupuncture for insomnia at Melbourne Natural Medicine Clinic. Contact us online, by email, or by calling (03) 9686 2566.
