Acupressure for Sleep: Natural Remedies to Improve Your Rest

Getting a good night's sleep is essential for our physical and mental health. However, many of us struggle to get the rest we need, and we may turn to medication or other artificial sleep aids for relief. Fortunately, there are natural remedies available that can help us sleep better without the risks and side effects of drugs. One remedy is acupressure, a technique that uses targeted pressure on specific points of the body to stimulate healing and relaxation. Acupressure can not only help us fall asleep faster, but also get a deeper, more rejuvenated sleep. Sounds like a dream to us!

The Importance of Sleep Health

There’s no denying how crucial sleep is to our overall health. We’ve heard this from doctors, sleep studies and wellness blogs. And it’s absolutely true! On a physical level, sleep is essential for repairing and rejuvenating the body. During sleep, our bodies release hormones that help repair cells and tissues, and our muscles and bones get a chance to rest and recover. Lack of sleep can lead to a weakened immune system, increased inflammation, and a higher risk of chronic health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Sleep also plays a vital role in our mental health. During sleep, our brains process and consolidate memories, which is essential for learning and retaining new information. Lack of sleep can lead to impaired cognitive function, mood swings, and an increased risk of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

In addition to its physical and mental health benefits, sleep is also essential for maintaining our overall well-being. Getting enough sleep can improve our energy levels, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote a better mood and overall sense of happiness.

So how can we get better quality sleep to improve our day to day lives?

Sleep Solutions: How Acupressure Can Improve Sleep

If we’re having trouble sleeping it can be easy to just blame it on insomnia or spend the night tossing and turning. Or reach for a sleeping pill that will end up disrupting your sleep cycles and leave you groggy the next day. But you don’t have to live the rest of your life thinking you’re just a ‘bad sleeper.’ Instead, natural remedies, like acupressure, can help improve sleep quality without needing to add chemicals to your body.

Acupressure is an ancient practice that has been used for centuries in holistic healing. It involves applying pressure to specific points on the body, known as acupoints, using fingers, palms, or special tools. The pressure stimulates the body's natural healing mechanisms, reducing pain, improving circulation, and promoting relaxation.

Acupressure can be particularly beneficial for improving sleep, as it can help reduce stress and tension, which are often major contributors to sleep disturbances. By stimulating the body's natural relaxation response, acupressure can help calm the mind and prepare the body for restful sleep.

Acupressure for Sleep Disorders

Acupressure can also help with specific sleep-related issues such as insomnia and sleep apnea. Insomnia is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world, and it can be caused by a variety of factors such as stress, anxiety, and chronic pain. Acupressure can help address these underlying issues by promoting relaxation and reducing pain, allowing you to fall asleep quicker and stay asleep longer.

One of the main ways that acupressure can help with sleep is by reducing stress and anxiety. The pressure of the nails activates the sympathetic, then the parasympathetic nervous system to take you into deep relaxation. When we're stressed or anxious, our bodies release cortisol, a hormone that can interfere with sleep. By applying pressure to certain points on the body, acupressure can help reduce the levels of cortisol in the body, leading to a more relaxed state and a better night's sleep. This meditative state helps you shut off the constant stream of thoughts racing through your mind that hinder your ability to fall asleep. This is a great way to remove the problem that is preventing you from sleeping, rather than taking something to fall asleep.

Another way that acupressure can improve sleep quality is by promoting better circulation. Poor circulation can lead to a range of health issues, like restless leg syndrome, which can interfere with sleep. By stimulating pressure points that are connected to the circulatory system, acupressure can help improve blood flow and promote a more restful night's sleep.

Overall, acupressure can be a highly effective way to improve sleep quality, help you fall asleep quicker, and stay asleep longer. Whether you're dealing with stress and anxiety, chronic pain, or sleep-related issues like insomnia or sleep apnea, acupressure can be a gentle, non-invasive way to promote relaxation and better health.

How To Use Acupressure Products For Sleep

Incorporating Bed of Nails acupressure products into your evening routine is incredibly easy! Use the BON acupressure mat on your bed. Lay on the mat for 10-20 minutes while your body relaxes and your mind begins to go quiet. When you find yourself getting sleepy, simply roll off your Mat, toss it to the side and drift off to sleep! You can sleep on your mat through the night, but may find it uncomfortable if you switch positions a lot.

Of course you can also use your BON on the floor beside your bed as well, however if your main goal is falling asleep, we highly recommend using the Mat on your bed directly. The mattress will give you a soft support underneath the Mat, which will  allow the nails to touch your body evenly and follow the natural curves of your body. This softer pressure will be more comfortable than laying on a hard floor and allow you to ease into a deep relaxation.

Have specific areas on your body that feel uncomfortable as you're falling asleep? Use the BON Pillow on your back or neck to ease any pain that may keep you from sleeping. Or use the BON Strap and tie it around your areas of discomfort. You can also put a pillow or rolled up towel underneath your Mat to create an extra cushion to reach any areas that need extra love. This works well under your back or behind the shoulders and neck area. You can truly tailor your acupressure experience to your exact needs.

By incorporating acupressure into your sleep routine, you will be able to experience the benefits of improved sleep and wake up feeling more refreshed and energized.

Interested in learning more about sleep? Check out Matt Walker’s ‘Sleep is your Superpower’ Ted Talk and his enlightening the Science of Better Sleep Masterclass.