CINDY ALBON, LAc, DiplAc, MSOM, Licensed and Board Certified > 2016 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles CA 90027

Give the Pills a Rest and Try These Alternative Sleep Aids Instead

A good night’s sleep is an essential part of staying healthy, both mentally and physically. Unfortunately, if you don’t get enough sleep or quality sleep, the negative side effects on your mind and body and the harmony between the two will be significant.

A lot of people who struggle with insomnia or poor sleep in general turn to pharmaceutical solutions to help them fall and stay asleep. To make real improvements in your sleep patterns though, you must eventually replace—or at least supplement—medication with altered behavioral approaches and natural sleep remedies. Start with a few of these alternative sleep therapy tactics to go to sleep easy and wake up feeling refreshed!

Acupuncture & Alternative Medicine in LA, CA

Optimize your sleep environment.

The ideal scenario for a rejuvenating night’s sleep is a cool, dark, and quiet space. Minimize the amount of light and noise that reach you when it’s time for bed, so you can more easily fall into a deep and relaxing sleep. Create a sleeping “cave” for yourself with blackout curtains, an eye mask, and a good pair of earplugs!

Eliminate distractions and establish a routine.

You’ve probably heard that experts recommend turning off all electronics an hour before bed for optimal sleep, but do you know why?

The blue light and EMFs emitted by devices like laptops, smartphones, and TVs disrupt your circadian rhythm and reduce the production of sleep-inducing hormones. Putting the electronics away and sticking to a regular sleep/wake schedule will help keep your internal clock regulated.

Use acupuncture to promote good sleep quality and quantity.

Acupuncture can be an incredibly effective alternative treatment option for insomniacs! The practice has been proven to reduce sleep disruption and arousal throughout the night by inducing better, deeper sleep and regulating those circadian rhythms.

By treating certain pressure points throughout the body, acupuncture stimulates the production of dopamine and melatonin—the hormones that help you fall and stay asleep—and helps balance your sleep-wake cycles.

Reduce anxiety about insomnia.

The more anxious you are about falling asleep, the harder it’s going to be. Try opting for some natural remedies to reduce anxiety and relax your mind and body when bedtime rolls around.

Certain herbs (passionflower, valerian root) and essential oils (lavender, chamomile) are known for their calming effects. Apply these topically or set up a diffuser in your bedroom to help ease yourself into a deep sleep. There are also several Chinese herbal formulas—such as Suan Zao Ren—that can enrich blood flow to combat insomnia. Making meditation, relaxing music, or a hot bath or shower part of your bedtime routine can help with this as well!

Are you ready to put insomnia and poor sleep to bed for good? Schedule your first acupuncture appointment at WellStream Acupuncture to regain control of your sleep patterns and daily energy levels! We’ll work with you to determine what regimen is right for you and which natural remedies will help promote better sleep for your mind and body.

Contact us today to experience our knowledgeable, compassionate care firsthand!