A good night’s sleep is a vital component to your well-being, both physically and emotionally. However, sometimes getting good sleep is often easier said than done. An estimated one in seven Canadians has difficulty falling or staying asleep, a condition known as insomnia.
Insomnia can be transient, lasting a few days to weeks; intermittent, occurring from time to time; or chronic, lasting a month or more. And insomnia is often more than just trouble getting or staying asleep. It may also include restlessness, dream disturbed sleep, frequent waking, or waking early in the morning. Furthermore, poor sleep can be related to many other conditions or symptoms. Sleep problems may be caused by or associated with:
- Nightmares
- Night sweats or hot flashes
- Restless sleep
- Nighttime urination
- Restless Leg Syndrome
- Snoring
- Sleep Apnea
- Hyperactivity
- Fatigue
- High cortisol levels
The most obvious consequence of not getting enough sleep is fatigue—not having the energy that your body and mind need to function well. Feeling chronically tired, poor motivation, apathy, and even depression are all a by-product of deep fatigue. In addition, your body heals and rejuvenates itself while you sleep, and not getting enough good sleep can be associated with a wide range of negative consequences. This includes reduced immune function, increased stress and anxiety, poor memory, lack of concentration, high blood pressure, impaired motor ability, and obesity.
Often, people who are struggling to get a good night’s sleep turn to over-the-counter and prescription sleep aids for help. While these may be effective in providing temporary relief, they often lose their effectiveness over time. In addition, many sleep medications have unwanted side-effects, such as disturbed sleep cycles, daytime drowsiness and possible dependency.
At BodaHealth, our goal is to help you achieve quality sleep naturally. Diagnosing the underlying causes of your insomnia and poor energy is a key first step to treating it effectively. Pain, medications, heart disease, stress, anxiety, depression, and hormonal issues may all negatively affect your ability to get a good night’s sleep.
Our practitioners of Chinese medicine, naturopathic medicine, and massage therapists work with you to identify the source of your sleep issues and provide safe, natural ways to promote good sleep. Our treatments may include acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutritional supplementation, dietary therapy, and therapeutic massage. In addition, your practitioner may provide you with lifestyle suggestions to enhance your sleep, including:
- Avoiding stimulants, such as caffeine and nicotine late in the day
- Tailoring your exercise and meal times to improve your sleep
- Reducing alcohol intake, which can interrupt your sleep patterns
- Incorporating routines to enhance sleep, such as relaxation techniques, meditation, deep breathing, or a relaxing bath
- Making your environment more conducive to sleep, by reducing light and noise, and adjusting the temperature
Whether your poor sleep and resulting lack of energy come from a stressed-out racing mind, night sweats, or sleep apnea, we have the experience and therapeutic tools to help you. At BodaHealth, our goal is to provide the best natural treatments available to improve the quality of your sleep so you can face the day feeling well-rested and energetic.
