Sleep is self-renewal and maintenance process of our bodies tired with daily activities, by minimizing the vital functions. Therefore, it's among such necessities such as eating and drinking. Deterioration in the order or quality of sleep undercuts the repair and maintenance functions of the body slows down removal of the harmful products formed during the day from the body and cell regeneration gets suspended.

If this condition becomes permanent, general fatigue and exhaustion is inevitable. Currently, sleep disturbances constitute the largest section within the cause of chronic fatigue.

Disorders can be divided into two parts discussed under the heading of sleep disorders. First, the problems such as insomnia or inability to sleep reduce the total time of sleep. Patients usually take available chemicals called 'sleep medication' to be able to get enough sleep. Secondly, despite the total time spent asleep is an adequate, inability to wake up rested and morning fatigue problems.

In modern medicine, while drugs are used to make patient to fall asleep easier and wake up more difficult in the problems such as inability to sleep, depression medications are preferred in the case of inability to wake up rested even the time spent asleep is an adequate which constitutes the second half of sleep problems.

In the treatment of diseases in acupuncture centers that facilitate the transition of the body to sleep are activated, centers providing alertness during the day in a balanced way are also stimulated. Thus, the order of the sleep is converted into its original state, and daytime alertness is provided neatly.

Sleep problems takes place in a rapid-response to acupuncture group in disorders which can be treated by acupuncture. The total duration of treatment generally should not exceed 12 sessions. Sleep and wakefulness without the use of drugs after treatment can be easily maintained.

Dr. M. Salih Özaytürk