Survey on the Increase in the Number of Patients Suffering from Autumn Insomnia Acupuncture Helps Regulate Autumn Sleep Disorders Caused by Decreased Daylight Hours and Rapid Temperature Differences

2023.11.27 11:30

株式会社誠心堂薬局

Seishindo Pharmacy Co. (Head office: Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture; Representative Director: Yuichi Nishino; hereinafter "our company"), which operates 20 Chinese herbal medicine consultation pharmacies and acupuncture and moxibustion clinics in Tokyo and Chiba, conducted a survey at its group store, Acupuncture & Moxibustion Clinic Soukai Kan Ebisu (Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; hereinafter "Acupuncture & Moxibustion Ebisu"), regarding the number of people suffering from insomnia during autumn. The number of patients suffering from insomnia in autumn increased about 2.5 times. Autumn insomnia is thought to be caused by the strain on the autonomic nervous system due to climatic changes. Acupuncture and moxibustion treatment is expected to alleviate muscle tension, which will help regulate the autonomic nervous system and sleep conditions. We will continue to provide treatment that takes into consideration the health conditions of our visitors.

URL of Acupuncture & Moxibustion Clinic Soukai Kan Ebisu: https://www.seishin-do.co.jp/shop/s037

Acupuncture & Moxibustion Clinic Soukai Kan Ebisu

Insomnia, a common problem for many people.

Insomnia is a disease that causes sleep disorders such as difficulty falling asleep (difficulty falling asleep), awakening in the middle of the night (shallow sleep and waking up many times in the middle of the night), and early morning awakening (waking up early in the morning and not being able to sleep a second time), which in turn causes fatigue, low motivation, poor concentration, low appetite and other problems during the day. Everyone experiences insomnia, but most of the time it improves spontaneously and one is able to sleep again. Insomnia, however, sometimes persists for a long period of time without improvement, and is considered insomnia when the disorder persists for more than three months.

In fact, 30-40% of the general adult population has some form of insomnia, and it is known to be more common in women. Among those with insomnia, chronic insomnia occurs in about 10% of adults, and its causes vary widely, including stress, mental illness, neurological disorders, alcohol, and drug side effects. Insomnia symptoms increase with age and are present in more than half of those over the age of 60.

What is insomnia?

Insomnia is common in the fall, with insomnia symptoms 2.5 times more common among store users.

Autumn insomnia is a condition in which sleep patterns are disrupted by seasonal changes. It is generally believed that the fall season is affected by a decrease in daylight hours, changes in temperature, and fluctuations in lifestyle rhythms. The decrease in light due to changes in daylight hours can easily disrupt the sleep-wake cycle as the body's internal clock adjusts. In addition, changes in temperature and a drop in humidity can impair a comfortable sleeping environment, resulting in shallow sleep.

Therefore, we conducted a survey on insomnia in autumn by examining the percentage of patients who came to our Ebisu acupuncture and moxibustion clinic and complained of insomnia symptoms (including difficulty falling asleep and waking up in the middle of the night).

(Comparison between (1) September 1 to September 30, 2023 and (2) October 1 to October 30 of the same year)

(1) Of 58 visitors, 8 (13.8%) had insomnia symptoms (including difficulty falling asleep or waking up in the middle of the day).

(2)Of 60 patients who visited the clinic, 21 patients (35.0%) had insomnia symptoms (including difficulty falling asleep and waking up in the middle of the day)

(*The same person was included in visitors (1) and (2))

Comparing (1) and (2), we can see that the number of problems has increased about 2.5 times since the beginning of this fall season. It is thought that the sudden temperature changes in the morning and evening may have disrupted the rhythm of sleep and the rhythm of life, resulting in an increase in the number of people complaining of insomnia.

This year, we have entered the fall season with winter-like cold temperatures, and although the body would normally adjust gradually, we believe that the body is unable to cope with the changes and insomnia is more likely to appear.

Acupuncture and insomnia

Acupuncture and moxibustion treatment is originally used in Japan to relieve muscle tension and pain, but in fact, relieving muscle tension helps to regulate the autonomic nervous system, making it easier for the parasympathetic nervous system to become dominant. In addition, by stimulating acupuncture points, the blood flow necessary to maintain body temperature is spread throughout the body, providing the whole body with necessary nutrients, etc. In addition, moxibustion helps to maintain body temperature by applying heat.

Some acupoints in particular act on insomnia and mental anxiety. These acupuncture points are also the areas where pain, stiffness, and hardness of the skin tend to occur, and synergistic effects can be expected when used in conjunction with the meridian and organ system concepts of Chinese medicine. We offer advice on acupuncture points and acupuncture treatment suitable for each individual. We do not treat only one problem in acupuncture and moxibustion whole-body treatment, but also respond to daily changes in physical condition, so please do not hesitate to consult us about even the most trivial problems.

Measures you can take yourself to get a good night's sleep

Here are some of the measures you can take to improve the quality of your sleep. Daily regimen is also important for good health. We provide not only acupuncture and moxibustion treatment but also lifestyle advice, so let's start with what you can do.

1. a regular rhythm of life

Appropriate sleeping environment

3. moderate exercise

4. stress management

In particular, it is important to regulate the autonomic nervous system to counteract the decrease in daylight hours, which is a major cause of insomnia in autumn. As an easy thing to do, we recommend getting adequate sunlight in the morning and during the day.

[Future developments

We would like to propose acupuncture and moxibustion treatment as an option because few people choose to go to the hospital for sleep disorders. We will continue to provide the utmost support so that everyone in the community can lead a more comfortable everyday life.