Let's talk sleep. We need it, and many of us aren't getting enough of it. Sure, you can augment your needed zzz's with a nap (if you're lucky), but nothing takes the place of a solid restful night's sleep. I am a 7-8 hours per night kind of person and without it, I just don't feel my best. On average, Americans are getting 6-7 hours of sleep per night, and the recommendation is 7-9.

Chronic lack of sleep can cause more than just the obvious feeling of being tired. It can lead to reduced adaptability to stress, reduced digestive function, mood imbalances, weight gain, and hormone imbalances, which can all lead to deeper health concerns.

A Simple Acupressure Point for Better Sleep

So if you're not getting enough sleep, here's one way to help promote sleep using acupressure. One of my favorite points to use with patient's that I am treating for sleep disturbances, whether it be difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep is the acupuncture point "Heart 7" (aka "Shenmen") point.

It is located on the wrist and can be massaged every evening to help promote relaxation and induce sleep. It is THE point for anxiety as well, so use this point to help you relax at any time you feel anxiousness rising. 

Because of its location, this point is great for relieving discomfort in the joints, especially the wrist, which lets face it, probably doesn't get enough TLC for all that computer work we're doing. So give yourself some loving acupressure on this point every night, on both sides and see how it helps you relax and enter sleep.

Amy Malone is a licensed acupuncturist and registered nurse with national certificaiton in Oriental Medicine. She brings balance into her life professionally by integrating her nursing background with her practice as an acupuncturist, and privately by making times for the things she loves outside the clinic. Amy is an avid skiier, hiker, backpacker, reader, and traveler together with her partner, Ryan. You can learn more about Amy at balancedstonewellness.com.