{"id":32867,"date":"2024-08-02T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-08-02T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/?p=32867"},"modified":"2026-01-16T12:25:49","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T17:25:49","slug":"acupressure-mat-benefits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/acupressure-mat-benefits\/","title":{"rendered":"Do Acupressure Mats Work for Sleep? I Put One to the Test to Find Out"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When it comes to bedtime, I really struggle with the transition from \u201cawake\u201d to \u201casleep.\u201d Even if my body is tired, my mind has a tendency to race<\/a> as soon as my head hits the pillow\u2014which can lead to hours of tossing and turning before I finally drift into dreamland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As such, I\u2019m always looking for tools and strategies<\/a> that will help me unwind\u2014and put my brain and body in a position where they\u2019re ready to fall asleep shortly after I get into bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One tool that I\u2019ve recently found and decided to explore? Acupressure mats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Devotees claim that acupressure mats offer a variety of health benefits\u2014including better sleep. But do they actually work? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s take a look at everything you need to know about acupressure mats, including what they are, how they work, and their purported benefits\u2014as well as my first-hand experience trying an acupressure mat for better sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is an acupressure mat? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

An acupressure mat is a mat that\u2019s covered in small plastic spikes. These spikes are strategically placed to stimulate and apply pressure to specific points throughout the body\u2014which can, depending on how you position yourself on the mat, cause different reactions in the body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike acupuncture<\/a> (which uses needles that penetrate the skin), the plastic spikes on an acupressure mat will apply pressure\u2014but will never puncture the skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

An acupressure mat is a mat that\u2019s covered in small plastic spikes. These spikes are strategically placed to stimulate and apply pressure to specific points throughout the body\u2014which can, depending on how you position yourself on the mat, cause different reactions in the body. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

How do acupressure mats work? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now that you know what an acupressure mat is, let\u2019s touch on how it works. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Acupressure mats work by stimulating pressure points across your body,\u201d says Theodore Levarda, licensed acupuncturist at Morningside Acupuncture<\/a> in New York City. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Chinese medicine, stimulating these pressure points\u00a0plays a key role in moving \u201cqi\u201d (which means \u201clife energy\u201d) through the body<\/a>\u2014which is essential to maintaining optimal health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking at acupressure through a Western medicine lens, “The pressure from the mat helps to activate the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for promoting relaxation and reducing the body’s stress response,\u201d says Levarda. \u201c[From a sleep perspective], this can make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Acupressure mat benefits <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You know what an acupressure mat is. You know how it works. So, what are the purported benefits of using an acupressure mat\u2014and, more specifically, using it as part of a sleep routine?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Increased relaxation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

According to Levarda, acupressure mats \u201ccan help to calm down the nervous system<\/a>, relax muscles, [and] reduce stress.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or, in other words, these maps can help you access a deeper state of relaxation\u2014which may help you improve the quality and quantity of your sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Decreased pain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Studies have found that acupressure tools (like acupressure mats) may help to decrease and\/or make different types of pain more manageable, including dental pain<\/a>, menstrual pain<\/a>, and neck and back pain<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For people who live with pain that makes it hard to sleep, acupressure mats may be able to help them better manage their pain\u2014and get better sleep in the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Better blood circulation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Acupressure mats may also \u201cpromote better blood circulation,\u201d says Levarda. This can help alleviate\u00a0symptoms of poor circulation<\/a>\u00a0like numbness or weakness in the limbs as well as support a variety of systems in the body, including organ function, mental clarity, and heart health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Risks of acupressure mats <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While acupressure mats are generally considered safe, certain people shouldn\u2019t use these mats. This includes people with thin and\/or\u00a0sensitive skin<\/a>, people with\u00a0diabetes<\/a>, or people who are or may be\u00a0pregnant<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to use an acupressure mat <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now that you know the ins and outs of acupressure mats, the next question is: How do you use them?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To use an acupressure mat, you\u2019ll first need to lay it on the ground. Then, lie down on the mat, ensuring it makes contact with your back, shoulders, and neck, says Levarda. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, if it feels a little uncomfortable, don\u2019t panic. “Some users might feel slight discomfort initially, but this usually subsides after a few minutes as the body adjusts to the pressure,\u201d says Levarda. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you find the sensation to be too intense, try wearing a shirt, which will act as a barrier between the spike and your skin (versus putting your skin directly on the mat). Then, as you get more comfortable, you can opt for direct skin contact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next, let\u2019s answer another important question: How long should you lie on an acupressure mat? When it comes to time spent on the acupressure mat, less is more\u2014particularly at first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cStart slowly and increase your time on the mat,\u201d says Levarda. This will allow you to \u201cgradually build tolerance and maximize the benefits for better sleep,” she explains.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re brand new to the world of acupressure, try using the mat for 10 to 20 minutes before bedtime, suggests Levarda. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you build your tolerance, you can slowly extend your time until you find that \u201csweet spot\u201d that delivers the experience and results you\u2019re looking for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"shakti
Shakti Acupressure Mat<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Do acupressure mats work? My review<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned, I recently decided to try an acupressure mat to see if it would help me fall (and stay!) asleep. I bought the\u00a0Shakti Essentials Bundle<\/a>, which includes both a Shakti Acupressure Mat (which is focused more on the back) and Shakti Acupressure Pillow (which targets the head, neck, and shoulders).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I first unpacked the box, I was a little apprehensive. Those spikes looked sharp! But, as I said earlier, I\u2019m willing to try pretty much anything to get better sleep\u2014and so I put on a thin T-shirt, laid on the mat, and rested my neck and head on the pillow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My initial reaction was one of discomfort. But as I settled in and breathed through the discomfort, I found myself relaxing into the experience.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I could feel the tension in my body\u2014particularly my shoulders<\/a>, which is where I carry all my stress\u2014start to unwind a bit. I actually found myself liking the experience. I made it about 10 minutes\u2014and then headed to bed less than an hour later, where I was able to fall asleep somewhat quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I now use the acupressure mat once or twice per week. Is it a magic bullet that\u2019s allowing me to fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow? No. But do I think it\u2019s helping me relax\u2014and, as such, helping me fall asleep more easily? I do. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I see it as another tool in my arsenal\u2014something that I can add to my pre-bedtime routine<\/a> to help me get myself to a place where I both want to <\/em>and can<\/em> fall asleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

I could feel the tension in my body\u2014particularly my shoulders, which is where I carry all my stress\u2014start to unwind a bit. I actually found myself liking the experience. I made it about 10 minutes\u2014and then headed to bed less than an hour later, where I was able to fall asleep somewhat quickly.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

FAQs <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Do acupressure mats actually work? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While there isn\u2019t a huge amount of research, studies suggest that acupressure mats may be able to help promote relaxation and decrease pain<\/a>\u2014both of which can help support better sleep.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How often should you use an acupressure mat?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to how often to use the acupressure mat, consistency is key, says Levarda. \u201cUse the acupressure mat regularly to experience its full benefits,\u201d she says. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can breathing necklaces improve your sleep? Next, learn all about the <\/em>sleep and health benefits of breathing necklaces<\/a><\/em>. <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

When it comes to bedtime, I really struggle with the transition from \u201cawake\u201d to \u201casleep.\u201d Even if my body is tired, my mind has a tendency to race as soon as my head hits the pillow\u2014which can lead to hours of tossing and turning before I finally drift into dreamland. As such, I\u2019m always looking for tools and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":144,"featured_media":32869,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[389,390],"tags":[],"coauthors":[484],"guest":[],"host":[],"class_list":["post-32867","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sleep-health","category-sleep-tips"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32867","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/144"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32867"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32867\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":36472,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32867\/revisions\/36472"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/32869"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32867"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32867"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32867"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=32867"},{"taxonomy":"guest","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/guest?post=32867"},{"taxonomy":"host","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/host?post=32867"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}