Imagine this – “it’s the end of a long day of work, and your body feels like it’s being dragged down by an impossibly heavy weight from all angles. Exhaustion isn’t just an adjective, it’s a visceral feeling humming through every bone inside. All you want to do is just collapse on the nearest surface that can support your weight, close your eyes, and sleep. Except, the Sandman never got the memo and even after the eyelids have slammed shut, you’re still very much awake. The collection of flesh and blood that makes you up is begging for some reprieve, and yet slumber is painfully elusive.” What this describes is an average night for one 34 year old Rose, and she suffers from insomnia.
An uninterrupted seven to nine hours a night. That’s how much sleep is recommended for a normal human adult. Getting that number consistently every night is the dream. The problem is that anyone who suffers from insomnia can’t even fathom dreaming when it’s so difficult to achieve a proper night of sleep in the first place. According to sleepfoundation.org, three in four adults suffer from some form of insomnia. And about one in ten American adults suffer from chronic insomnia. And women are 40% more likely to have insomnia than men.
Are you struggling with sleepless nights? If you do, know that you’re not alone, insomnia affects millions of people worldwide. It often leads to fatigue, excessive irritability, and a notable decline in overall health. If you’ve tried everything from sleep aids to lifestyle changes with little success, our treatments here at Best Medical Acupuncture Clinic in Paramus NJ may be of help. Dr. Irene Yeung crafts bespoke treatments for the individual person that are designed to restore balance and promote deep, restful sleep.
Types of Insomnia
Insomnia can manifest in different ways, affecting individuals uniquely. The main types include:
- Acute Insomnia: A short-term condition often triggered by stress, life events, or sudden changes in routine. It typically lasts a few days to a few weeks.
- Chronic Insomnia: Long-term sleep disturbances that occur at least three times a week for three months or longer, often linked to medical conditions, stress, or lifestyle factors.
- Onset Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep at the beginning of the night, commonly caused by anxiety, caffeine consumption, or an irregular sleep schedule.
- Maintenance Insomnia: Trouble staying asleep throughout the night, leading to frequent awakenings and difficulty returning to sleep, often associated with stress, depression, or medical conditions.
- Comorbid Insomnia: Insomnia that occurs alongside another medical or psychological condition, such as chronic pain, asthma, or depression.
Common Causes of Insomnia
Understanding the root cause of insomnia is key to finding an effective solution. Some of the most common causes include:
- Stress and Anxiety: High levels of stress and an overactive mind can make it difficult to relax and fall asleep.
- Poor Sleep Habits: Irregular sleep schedules, excessive screen time before bed, and consuming caffeine or heavy meals late at night can disrupt sleep patterns.
- Medical Conditions: Chronic pain, acid reflux, asthma, and other health issues can make it challenging to get a full night’s rest.
- Medications: Certain prescription drugs, including those for depression, allergies, and high blood pressure, can interfere with sleep.
- Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones, such as those experienced during menopause or pregnancy, can contribute to sleep disturbances.
- Sleep Disorders: Conditions like sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome can significantly impact sleep quality.
The Effects of Insomnia on the Body
Lack of sleep doesn’t just make you feel tired—it has real consequences for your overall health.
Short-Term Effects:
- Fatigue and Lack of Focus: Even one night of poor sleep can lead to decreased concentration, memory issues, and slower cognitive function.
- Mood Changes: Insomnia can cause irritability, stress, and an increased risk of anxiety or depression.
- Weakened Immune System: Sleep deprivation reduces the body’s ability to fight infections, making you more susceptible to colds and other illnesses.
- Increased Risk of Accidents: Sleep deprivation can impair reaction times, increasing the likelihood of accidents at work or on the road.
Long-Term Effects:
- Chronic Health Conditions: Prolonged insomnia has been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
- Mental Health Decline: Ongoing sleep deprivation can contribute to severe anxiety, depression, and even cognitive decline.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Insomnia disrupts the production of crucial hormones such as cortisol, insulin, and melatonin, affecting metabolism and overall health.
- Reduced Life Expectancy: Studies suggest that chronic sleep deprivation may shorten lifespan due to its impact on cardiovascular and immune health.
Personalized Treatment at Best Medical Acupuncture Clinic
Dr. Irene Yeung tailors each treatment plan to address your specific sleep concerns. Whether your insomnia is due to stress, chronic pain, or an underlying health condition, Dr. Yeung’s holistic approach will help you achieve restful, rejuvenating sleep.
Our custom tailored treatments not only help mitigate the symptoms of insomnia, they are also designed to target the core variables that cause the lack of restful sleep in the first place. Some of what we do can include (but are not limited to):
- Reduce Stress and Anxiety: Many cases of insomnia stem from stress and an overactive mind. Our treatments encourage relaxation by regulating the nervous system and promoting the release of endorphins.
- Balance Hormones: Sleep disturbances can be caused by hormonal imbalances, including cortisol and melatonin levels. We help regulate these crucial hormones, leading to a more natural sleep-wake cycle.
- Improve Circulation and Energy Flow: Disruptions in the body’s energy flow can lead to sleep issues. Dr. Irene strives to restore proper circulation and balance, allowing the body to relax more effectively at bedtime.
- Alleviate Pain and Discomfort: Chronic pain can make it difficult to fall and stay asleep. Our treatments help to manage the pain by reducing inflammation and promoting natural healing processes.
What Our Patients Say
“I had struggled with insomnia for years, trying everything from melatonin to prescription medications. After just a few acupuncture sessions with Dr. Yeung, my sleep improved dramatically. I wake up feeling refreshed and energized!” – Sarah L.
“Dr. Yeung’s acupuncture treatments have been life-changing. I used to wake up multiple times a night, but now I sleep through till morning. I highly recommend Best Medical Acupuncture Clinic!” – Michael T.
“I was skeptical about acupuncture at first, but after suffering from chronic insomnia, I decided to give it a try. The results have been incredible—my stress levels are lower, and I finally get a full night’s rest.” – Emily R.
“Look, after three nights of nearly non-existent sleep you’ll start sounding like an overly dramatic young adult author too. My exhaustion had long since eclipsed my severe discomfort around needles. Not that it mattered because whatever she did had me falling asleep on the clinic bed within minutes of that first session. After that, I kept going back – and not just because I managed to get some sleep during each session! Even on the nights I didn’t go, but especially after I went, those nights were great. I started having an easier time getting to sleep. My insomnia still gets me every once in a while, but they’re farther and farther apart now. And I know that with Dr. Irene’s help, it can only get better from here.” – Rose G.
If you’re ready to break free from sleepless nights, contact Best Medical Acupuncture Clinic today at 201-565-1778 or visit bestmedacu.com to schedule your consultation.
Say goodbye to restless nights and hello to revitalized mornings with acupuncture!
“When patients come to me about insomnia, I understand where they’re coming from. Because it’s a problem I battle as well. You really don’t understand just how precious sleep is until it’s kept out of your reach. No one should be denied rest.” – Dr. Irene Yeung