Insomnia

Sleeplessness is a frustrating problem that can adversely affect your mental and physical health. If you develop insomnia, contact Acupuncture by Sue in Queens, New York City. Chinese medicine and acupuncture specialist Sue Du, LAc, MS, uses natural treatments to provide peaceful, restorative sleep. Call Acupuncture by Sue today to get help with your insomnia, or use the online booking feature to schedule a consultation.

What is insomnia?

Insomnia is a common problem at all ages, although it’s especially likely to affect older people. You may struggle to fall asleep, be unable to stay asleep very long, wake far earlier than needed, or have any combination of these problems.

Many people experience temporary insomnia when they’re sick, excited or nervous about an upcoming event, or in a strange place. If you only have the odd sleepless night, it’s nothing to worry about. However, persistent insomnia can severely affect your mental and physical health.

You’ll likely have memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and low energy. You might suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness if you don’t sleep well at night, putting yourself and others at risk if you fall asleep when driving or operating machinery.

Long-term insomnia affects organ function and makes you more likely to develop conditions like heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. Mental health problems like depression and anxiety are also common in people with insomnia.

What can I do if I have insomnia?

In many cases, insomnia comes from a problem with your sleeping environment, for example:

• Eating before bed
• Drinking caffeine
• A bedroom that’s too hot or cold
• Uncomfortable mattress and/or pillows
• Too much light or noise
• No set bedtime
• Napping during the day
• Watching TV or using screens before bed

Depression, anxiety, stress, or chronic pain could all cause insomnia. Identifying these issues and addressing them could make a significant difference.

If you’ve tackled the underlying causes and are still having difficulty sleeping, cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) is a proven treatment. It uses techniques to develop a stronger association between bed and sleep. 

Sleeping pills can be effective but often have side effects and don’t address insomnia’s causes.

Acupuncture by Sue provides all-natural treatments to address insomnia and what may be causing the condition, such as chronic pain or a mental health issue.

Is acupuncture an effective insomnia treatment?

There are many ways to improve sleep naturally, including better nutrition, relaxation techniques, and herbal medicines. One of the most effective is acupuncture, where Sue inserts tiny, thin needles into specific places on your body. This painless treatment stimulates better energy flow, circulation, and relaxation.

Acupuncture improves nervous system balance and activates neurotransmitters (chemicals like serotonin) in your brain that help you relax. It also promotes the release of hormones that encourage sleep. Acupuncture is even more effective if you combine it with Chinese herbs that help to address insomnia’s root causes. 

Call Acupuncture by Sue to learn more about effective solutions to insomnia. You can also use the online booking feature to schedule a consultation.