Understanding Stress and Sleep Imbalance

Modern life asks a great deal from the nervous system. Constant stimulation, digital fatigue, and performance pressure can keep the body in a low-grade state of alert. Over time, this makes it harder to unwind, fall asleep, or stay asleep. Mental clarity fades. Emotional regulation becomes strained. The body holds on to tension it cannot discharge.

What to Expect in Practice

The experience is subtle and embodied. You won’t be asked to visualise or concentrate; instead, you’ll follow a sequence of postural cues and breath patterns designed to:

• Disperse internal agitation

• Soothe the chest and calm the heart

• Release tension from the diaphragm, neck, and lower back

• Improve circulation and oxygen flow, supporting deeper rest

Many feel lighter, steadier, and more present after even a short session.

Q: How does Medical Qigong help with stress?
Qigong engages the breath and body to calm the nervous system. It activates the parasympathetic response, reducing heart rate, muscle tension, and stress hormones. Even brief sessions can bring a sense of clarity and calm without making you drowsy.

Q: Can Qigong improve sleep quality?
Yes. Evening practice helps lower cortisol and supports the body’s natural production of melatonin. Over time, this can improve both falling asleep and staying asleep, helping regulate your internal body clock.

Q: Do I need to meditate or visualise while doing Qigong?
No. Medical Qigong does not require visualisation or complex meditation techniques. The focus is on movement and breath, which naturally guide the mind into a quieter, more settled state.

Q: Is this helpful if I’m anxious or have insomnia?
Very. Qigong is especially effective for people who feel “stuck in their heads” or struggle to unwind. It gently retrains the body to shift out of hyper-alert states, improving emotional regulation and resilience over time.

Q: Is there research to support this?
Yes. Studies show Qigong can reduce anxiety, lower cortisol, and improve sleep onset and quality. It’s increasingly recognised as a safe, effective approach to managing stress and supporting sleep without relying on medication.