Acupuncture Improves Sleep Quality: Study Shows Acupuncture & Herbs Outperform Sleep Drugs

It has been shown that acupuncture improves sleep quality by enhancing slow-wave(SWS study) sleep (SWS study). Another study now shows acupuncture combined with herbal medicine demonstrates outcomes of improved sleep compared to Western pharmaceuticals. The study was completed comparing Acupuncture combined with herbs were measured against the drug estazolam. The acupuncture plus herbs group obtained a “significantly better overall effective rate” than the estazolam group.  (96.8% total effective rate vs. 72.4% total effective rate)

Estazolam is a benzodiazepine. It is used in the treatment of insomnia and exerts its effective action by slowing the central nervous system. Estazolam which indeed causes drowsiness, also creates undesirable side-effects such as headaches, fatigue, dry mouth and dizziness.

Acupuncture combined with herbal medicine had significantly better patient outcomes with no adverse effects. The researchers document that the acupuncture plus herbs group “improves the patients’ sleep quality."

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) each organ and associated meridian houses a different part of our spirit. Imbalances within this system can cause sleep disturbances of varying degrees from complete sleeplessness to nightmares.  Acupuncture can assist with improved sleep quality across many different conditions such as insomnia or as a result of menopause.

“I am a 32-year-old married male who has suffered with bouts of insomnia most of my adult life. It usually comes on during times when my stress increases due to work, economic issues, or typical family concerns.

I have seen an acupuncturist before, for my low back pain, but this was the first time I decided to get treatment for my insomnia. I had met Alex before, at a social encounter, and called for an appointment. He was able to explain insomnia in a clear way so I could understand where my “imbalance” was and then began treating me.

It took several treatments to get me to start sleeping better (5 total), but I have been able to sleep much better and feel more rested when I wake up.

Thank you, Alex.”

-David

Study Reference: Kou, Ji-you, Yan Wei, Xin Tong, and Long Yang. "Effect of combined acupuncture and Shen Zao An Shen Tang on sleep quality of insomnia patients due to deficiency of the heart and spleen." Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science 12, no. 2 (2014): 96-100.