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Just ask a parent, a shift worker, or anyone who has ever suffered from insomnia. A good night's sleep is absolutely important for our health. There are many different reasons why insomnia can occur. We focus on how stress affects sleep. |
Cortisol, our main stress hormone and alertness hormone, peaks around 9 a.m. and should then fall to rock-bottom levels before bed. As the sun sets and cortisol drops, melatonin rises and our circadian rhythm is established. This basic rhythm is determined by environmental and internal signals that have been signals to our biology since the beginning of time. Unfortunately, we had to deal with modern stress, technology, and a two-plus year pandemic to screw everything up!
So what happens to our sleep when this rhythmic cortisol release is disrupted?
- We feel tired and exhausted when we lie down to sleep
- Wake up like clockwork between 1 and 3 a.m
- The night sweats are so bad that we have to change our t-shirt and invade our partner's side of the bed!
- We wake up 1-2 hours before our alarm and have no chance of getting back to sleep.
Fortunately, correction of the cortisol rhythm (HPA axis) can be achieved through the use of acupuncture and functional medicine. In severe cases, we recommend a simple salivary cortisol test to determine exactly what is happening with your hormones. Once we know the unique nature of your cortisol disorder, it can be treated with a combination of acupuncture, lifestyle changes, and nutritional supplements that gently signal the body to release hormones at the right time and in the right amounts.
Our ancient physiology still wants to exist in harmony with our natural signals. When we properly align the HPA axis, we enjoy alertness during the day and peaceful, restful sleep at night. If you suffer from insomnia, we will reset your stress hormones and give you back the biological right to restful sleep!
