As doctors have put it, an average adult needs 6 to 8 hours of sleep every day. Sufficient sleep and rest are necessary to maintain peak performance during waking hours. Most people have had trouble sleeping at some point due to different life stressors and other factors. Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that happens now and then. Chronic insomnia, however, can drastically affect one’s life. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is not just a therapy used for pain relief but is also effective in treating insomnia. How to use a TENS machine for insomnia? TENS devices like the wireless iTENS can improve the overall sleep quality by helping its users relax.
With its rising popularity and wide array of capabilities, many ask; What do TENS have to do with sleep and How to use a TENS machine for insomnia? TENS therapy is a form of therapy that uses mild electrical currents to stimulate the nerves to block pain signals from reaching the brain. It is famous as a relief method to treat pain. TENS machine reduces the pain felt in the neck, arms, shoulder, back, and legs. People with insomnia report better sleeping conditions after using a TENS machine. The electrical stimulation coming from the wireless iTENS can induce a state of relaxation in the muscles. According to studies, electrical stimulation disrupts the regular activity of the neural circuits. The stimulation of the nerve fibres sends sensory signals to the brain for an increased need for sleep. Therefore, using the TENS machines can make people sleepy.
Guide on How to use a TENS machine for insomnia
It is best to use a TENS machine before bedtime. Set the timer with the recommended duration of 20 minutes. Place the electrode pad on a skin surface with the most pain or anywhere over the muscles. Set at low frequency to begin the stimulation. If you need to extend the time, transfer the pads to another area and start another 20-minute session. Be careful not to fall asleep without removing the TENS pads first. Leaving them on for too long may cause skin irritation. Knowing how to use a TENS machine for insomnia can be crucial for getting a good night’s sleep.
iTENS is a wireless TENS device with FDA approval. It mainly treats acute and chronic pain, but it can also serve as a muscle relaxant and have therapeutic effects on insomnia. It is also effective in alleviating pain from several conditions such as period pain, sciatica, fibromyalgia, and arthritis. Since sleep regulation differs from person to person, check with your health specialist on how to use a TENS machine for insomnia specifically for your condition. The iTENS comes with wireless electrode pads that can be activated using Bluetooth from a mobile phone. It is an innovative way of pain and sleep management.
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