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Contact 07944930253 or email: maggieacupuncture@gmail.com

                                                                 

We offer acupuncture service for  Stress and anxiety, Insomnia

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The Unraveling Connection Between Stress and Insomnia

In the fast-paced, modern world, stress has become an almost ubiquitous companion, affecting individuals across all walks of life. One of the significant consequences of chronic stress is its impact on sleep, leading to the widespread phenomenon known as insomnia.

Stress is the body's natural response to a perceived threat or challenge. It triggers the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, preparing the body for the "fight or flight" response. While acute stress can be beneficial in certain situations, chronic stress, often stemming from work pressures, relationship issues, financial concerns, or health problems, can have detrimental effects on both mental and physical well-being.

Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing non-restorative sleep. While it can be influenced by various factors such as lifestyle, environmental conditions, and underlying health issues, stress is a prominent contributor to the development and exacerbation of insomnia.

The Stress-Insomnia Connection:

Hyperarousal and the Sleep-Wake Cycle:

Chronic stress can disrupt the natural sleep-wake cycle, leading to a state of hyperarousal where the mind and body remain alert and active when they should be winding down for rest.

Heightened levels of stress hormones interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone crucial for regulating sleep, making it difficult for individuals to fall asleep.

Racing Thoughts and Mental Turmoil:

Stress often brings about racing thoughts and persistent worry, creating mental turmoil that makes it challenging to relax and initiate sleep.

The mind becomes a battleground for unresolved stressors, further intensifying the difficulty of achieving a restful state.

Physiological Impact on Sleep Architecture:

Prolonged exposure to stress can alter the architecture of sleep, reducing the time spent in deep, restorative sleep stages.

This disruption can result in a fragmented and insufficient sleep pattern, leaving individuals feeling fatigued and unrefreshed upon waking.

Consequences of the Duo:

Impaired Cognitive Function:

Insufficient sleep due to stress-related insomnia can impair cognitive functions, including memory, attention, and decision-making.

Emotional Distress:

The interplay of stress and insomnia can contribute to heightened emotional distress, exacerbating mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.

Physical Health Risks:

Chronic insomnia linked to stress has been associated with an increased risk of various health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and a weakened immune system.

Acupuncture is an efficient way to reduce stress and have a good night sleep.

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Dr Maggie Ju's guest blog

When the pressure becomes too much

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