Insomnia and Difficulty Sleeping: A Health Concern
People with insomnia may take between 30 minutes and one hour or longer to fall asleep. Some may sleep lightly, experience frequent dreams, wake suddenly during the night, or find it difficult to return to sleep after waking.
These symptoms suggest that the body and mind remain in a state of alertness. As a result, the person may wake up feeling tired, weak, or unrefreshed. Inadequate rest may also affect concentration, mood, daily performance, and the normal function of different systems throughout the body.
Three Common Types of Insomnia
1. Difficulty Falling Asleep
The person takes a long time to fall asleep, sometimes remaining awake for several hours after going to bed.
2. Difficulty Staying Asleep
The person can fall asleep but frequently wakes during the night. After waking, they may find it difficult to return to sleep.
3. Light or Restless Sleep
The person feels as though they have not slept deeply throughout the night. They may wake easily, dream frequently, or remain aware of their surroundings while sleeping.
Insomnia from the Perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine views the body as an interconnected system. The five major organ systems-the lungs, spleen, heart, liver, and kidneys-work together to maintain balance.
When one organ system becomes weak or unbalanced, it may affect the function of the others.
For example, weakness of the heart and spleen systems is traditionally associated with:
๐ Difficulty falling asleep
๐ Frequent waking during the night
๐ Fatigue after waking
๐ Poor concentration
๐ Restlessness
๐ A lack of freshness or energy during the day
Traditional Chinese medicine treatment therefore focuses not only on the sleeping problem itself but also on restoring the overall balance of the body.
Acupuncture Points Commonly Used for Insomnia
At Qing Long Clinic, acupuncture may be used as part of a personalised treatment plan for people experiencing insomnia. The practitioner selects acupuncture points according to the individual’s symptoms and traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis.
Shenmen
The name Shenmen means the “Gate of the Spirit” or “Gate of the Mind.”
This point is located on the inner wrist crease, near the hollow on the little-finger side of the wrist.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, Shenmen may help:
๐ Calm the mind
๐ Reduce restlessness
๐ Regulate the heart system
๐ Relieve anxiety
๐ Support deeper and more restful sleep
It is commonly selected for insomnia, emotional tension, palpitations, and symptoms related to mental restlessness.
Anmian
Anmian means “Peaceful Sleep.” It is an extra acupuncture point traditionally used specifically for sleep-related concerns.
It is located behind the ear, approximately halfway between the area behind the earlobe and the base of the skull.
This point may be selected to:
๐ Promote relaxation
๐ Reduce mental agitation
๐ Relieve difficulty falling asleep
๐ Reduce frequent waking during the night
๐ Support better sleep quality
Neiguan
Neiguan is located on the inner forearm, approximately two cun above the wrist crease.
In traditional Chinese medicine, this point is used to regulate the movement of qi, open the chest, and calm the mind.
It may help relieve:
๐ Anxiety and emotional tension
๐ Palpitations
๐ Chest tightness
๐ Nausea associated with stress
๐ Difficulty sleeping caused by restlessness
Baihui
Baihui is located at the top of the head, near the point where an imaginary line drawn upward from the tips of both ears meets the centre line of the head.
This point is traditionally used to:
๐ Promote relaxation
๐ Support circulation to the head
๐ Clear mental fatigue
๐ Calm emotional tension
๐ Make it easier to fall asleep and remain asleep
The combination of acupuncture points used may differ depending on whether the main problem is difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking, excessive dreaming, stress, fatigue, or another underlying imbalance.
Lifestyle Changes That May Improve Sleep
In addition to acupuncture, changing certain daily habits may help improve sleep quality.
๐ Avoid vigorous exercise immediately before bedtime.
๐ Stop using mobile phones, tablets, computers, and other screens at least two hours before bed.
๐ Avoid tea, coffee, energy drinks, and other caffeinated beverages after the afternoon.
๐ Go to bed and wake up at approximately the same time each day.
๐ Keep the bedroom quiet, dark, and comfortable.
๐ Avoid eating a large meal shortly before bedtime.
๐ Practise relaxation techniques such as slow breathing, meditation, or gentle stretching.
๐ Limit long daytime naps, particularly late in the afternoon.
When Should You Seek Medical Advice?
Consult a healthcare professional when insomnia:
๐ Continues for several weeks
๐ Occurs frequently and affects daily life
๐ Causes severe daytime fatigue
๐ Affects concentration, memory, or work performance
๐ Occurs with anxiety, depression, or persistent low mood
๐ Is accompanied by loud snoring, choking, or pauses in breathing during sleep
๐ Does not improve after adjusting sleep habits
Persistent insomnia may be associated with stress, anxiety, depression, sleep apnoea, medication, hormonal changes, chronic pain, or other medical conditions. An appropriate assessment can help identify the underlying cause and guide suitable treatment.
Summary
Insomnia is more than simply being unable to sleep. It can affect physical energy, emotional well-being, concentration, and the normal function of the body.
From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture may be used to calm the mind, regulate internal balance, and support better sleep. Combining appropriate treatment with healthy sleep habits may help make it easier to fall asleep, reduce nighttime waking, and improve overall sleep quality.
Reference :
Independent Writer
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