Skip to content
Get 21% off select items and start off 2021 right! Shop now
  • Shop
  • Health Upgrades
  • Subscribe & Save
  • Recipes
  • Learn
  • Main Menu
  • Shop
  • Coffee
  • MCT Oil
  • Proteins
  • Food & Drink
  • Supplements
  • Other
  • Shop All Products
  • Main Menu
  • Health Upgrades
  • Guides
  • Supplements
  • Shop All Products
  • Main Menu
  • Subscribe & Save
  • Main Menu
  • Recipes
  • Snacks
  • Breakfasts
  • Main Dishes
  • Beverages
  • Desserts
  • Keto
  • Paleo
  • Shop All Ingredients

Subscribe & Save 10% + Free Shipping over $35

Learn More
  • Main Menu
  • Learn
  • Where to Start
  • Health Upgrades
  • Bulletproof Blog
  • Books
  • Shop All Products
  • Shop
  • Ground
  • Whole Bean
  • Single-Serve Pods
  • Starter Kits
  • Cold Brew
  • Creamers & Mix-Ins
  • View all

Subscribe & Save 10% + Free Shipping over $35

Learn More
  • Shop
  • Brain Octane Oil
  • MCT Oil
  • View all

Subscribe & Save 10% + Free Shipping over $35

Learn More
  • Shop
  • Collagen Protein
  • Collagen Protein Bars
  • Collagen Protein Plus Support
  • View all

Subscribe & Save 10% + Free Shipping over $35

Learn More
  • Shop
  • Protein Bars
  • Cold Brew
  • Fatwater
  • View all

Subscribe & Save 10% + Free Shipping over $35

Learn More
  • Shop
  • Mood & Memory
  • Performance & Immunity
  • Detox & Gut Health
  • Sleep
  • View all

Subscribe & Save 10% + Free Shipping over $35

Learn More
  • Shop
  • Tech
  • Coffee Mugs & Bottles
  • Books
  • View all

Subscribe & Save 10% + Free Shipping over $35

Learn More
  • Health Upgrades
  • Immune Boost
  • Sleep Hacks
  • Brain Upgrades
  • Weight Loss & Diet
  • Anti-Aging
  • View all

Subscribe & Save 10% + Free Shipping over $35

Learn More
  • Health Upgrades
  • Mood & Memory
  • Performance & Immunity
  • Detox & Gut Health
  • Sleep
  • View all

Subscribe & Save 10% + Free Shipping over $35

Learn More
  • Recipes
  • Snacks
  • Breakfasts
  • Main Dishes
  • Beverages
  • Desserts
  • Keto
  • Paleo
  • View all

Subscribe & Save 10% + Free Shipping over $35

Learn More
  • Learn
  • About Bulletproof
  • Bulletproof for Beginners
  • Bulletproof Coffee: The Official Recipe
  • What makes Bulletproof Coffee Beans Different?
  • What are MCT Oils?
  • What is Collagen Protein?
  • Starter Kits
  • Newsletters & Guides

Subscribe & Save 10% + Free Shipping over $35

Learn More
  • Learn
  • Immune Boost
  • Sleep Hacks
  • Brain Upgrades
  • Weight Loss & Diet
  • Anti-Aging

Subscribe & Save 10% + Free Shipping over $35

Learn More
  • Learn
  • Diet
  • Recipes
  • Supplements
  • Sleep
  • Gut Health
  • View all

Subscribe & Save 10% + Free Shipping over $35

Learn More
  • Learn
  • Super Human
  • Game Changers
  • Head Strong
  • The Bulletproof Diet
  • Bulletproof The Cookbook
  • View all

Subscribe & Save 10% + Free Shipping over $35

Learn More
Bulletproof Logo
  • Shop

    Coffee

    Ground Whole Bean Single-Serve Pods Starter Kits Cold Brew Creamers & Mix-Ins View all

    MCT Oil

    Brain Octane Oil MCT Oil View all

    Proteins

    Collagen Protein Collagen Protein Bars Collagen Protein Plus Support View all

    Food & Drink

    Protein Bars Cold Brew Fatwater View all

    Supplements

    Mood & Memory Performance & Immunity Detox & Gut Health Sleep View all

    Other

    Tech Coffee Mugs & Bottles Books View all Shop All Products

    Subscribe & Save 10% + Free Shipping over $35

    Learn More
  • Health Upgrades

    Guides

    Immune Boost Sleep Hacks Brain Upgrades Weight Loss & Diet Anti-Aging View all

    Supplements

    Mood & Memory Performance & Immunity Detox & Gut Health Sleep View all Shop All Products
    Chocolate Dipped Collagen Protein Bar

    Limited Time Offer

    CHOCOLATE DIPPED BAR

    For a limited time only get new Chocolate Dipped Bars for $19.99 ($35.98 value).

    Shop

    Subscribe & Save 10% + Free Shipping over $35

    Learn More
  • Subscribe & Save
  • Recipes

    Recipes

    Snacks Breakfasts Main Dishes Beverages Desserts Keto Paleo View all Shop All Ingredients
    making a smoothie

    Featured Recipe

    BULLETPROOF COFFEE: THE OFFICIAL RECIPE
    VIEW RECIPE
    Collagen Protein Tub

    Featured Product

    UNFLAVORED COLLAGEN PROTEIN
    SHOP NOW

    Subscribe & Save 10% + Free Shipping over $35

    Learn More
  • Learn

    Where to Start

    About Bulletproof Bulletproof for Beginners Bulletproof Coffee: The Official Recipe What makes Bulletproof Coffee Beans Different? What are MCT Oils? What is Collagen Protein? Starter Kits Newsletters & Guides

    Health Upgrades

    Immune Boost Sleep Hacks Brain Upgrades Weight Loss & Diet Anti-Aging

    Bulletproof Blog

    Diet Recipes Supplements Sleep Gut Health View all

    Books

    Super Human Game Changers Head Strong The Bulletproof Diet Bulletproof The Cookbook View all Shop All Products

    Subscribe & Save 10% + Free Shipping over $35

    Learn More
Skip To Content
Account
Cart
Skip To Content

Share

product
https://www.bulletproof.com/sleep/tech/acupressure-mat-sleep/ article-31276 How an Acupressure Mat Helps You Sleep Better https://www.bulletproof.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Sleep-Mat-Blog-Image-300x160.jpg 1 USD InStock Tech Sleep ACC09-00009 NUT08-00015 Sleep Hacks article Sleep

How an Acupressure Mat Helps You Sleep Better

By: Rebecca Paredes
June 8, 2020

How an Acupressure Mat Helps You Sleep Better

  • Acupressure is the practice of applying pressure to specific points on the body to promote relaxation and stimulate energy.
  • Take advantage of the pressure points on your back and lay on an acupressure mat for faster, better sleep.
  • Acupressure mats like the Sleep Induction Mat engage your nervous system, which triggers a flood of feel-good hormones and increases blood circulation.
  • Upgrade your time on an acupressure mat by meditating, stimulating the pressure points on your neck and experimenting with more or less time on it.

Can’t sleep? If counting sheep gives you a headache, try this sleep hack: lay on an acupressure mat. Similar to acupuncture, acupressure stimulates sensitive points along your back called meridians, which studies show can induce relaxation. That means you can finally drift off to dreamland and sleep more deeply. Here’s everything you need to know about this tool, plus effective tips to make the most of your time on the mat.

What is acupressure?

Illustration of acupressure points

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), acupressure is based on the stimulation of meridians — a network of energy pathways throughout the body. That stimulation increases the flow of “qi,” or bioenergy.[1]

Using the same principles as acupuncture, pressure is applied to specific points on the body to stimulate energy, maintain healthy levels of stress and promote relaxation.[2] [3] [4] There are pressure points all over your body, including your wrists and your heels. You can stimulate these points with your hands and deep, firm pressure, like a self-massage.[5]

So, what about sleep? Studies show that acupressure helps patients sleep better and wake up less frequently during the night.[6] [7] In one randomized clinical trial, patients reported improved sleep quality as soon as they started receiving acupressure massage.[8] 

For better shut-eye, you’ll want to stimulate the pressure points associated with relaxation and stress relief. You have a ton of acupressure meridians all along your spine and shoulders. An acupressure mat hits these points all at once, which helps you drift off more easily. Keep reading to find out how it works.

How an acupressure mat works

Closeup of acupressure mat, the Bulletproof Sleep Induction Mat

Most acupressure mats are about the size of a small towel. The Bulletproof Sleep Induction Mat is designed to stretch from your neck to your pelvis, and one side is studded with small plastic spikes. It looks like a pillowcase crossed with a porcupine, but don’t let those spikes fool you — they play an important role in activating your nervous system and stimulating pressure points for better sleep. Here’s how:

Stimulates acupressure meridians

Colorful lines representing stimulation of meridians

The meridians along your spine and shoulders are associated with relaxation and restfulness. When you first lay down on an acupressure mat, your nervous system will be ultra-stimulated because, well, spikes. But once your body realizes you’re safe and sound, you’ll feel a flood of warmth along your back, followed by a release of muscle tension.

More Sleep From Bulletproof

  • The Best Sleep Supplements and Practices for Quality Rest
  • Melatonin for Sleep: Does it Work?
  • 13 Sleep Tips for When It’s Hot AF
  • How to Sleep Better When You’re Traveling

Releases feel-good hormones

Man laying on mat

As your blood circulation increases, your body will release feel-good hormones called endorphins. Think of those endorphins as a form of natural mood support — great news if you’re the type of person who stays awake at night with tons of thoughts running through your mind.

Relieves tension

Woman sleeping in bed

It’s tough to fall asleep when you’re stressed out. As your body releases stress and tension held in your muscles, you’ll feel more zen, loose and ready to drift off. Deep breathing helps your body ease into the sensations, with the bonus benefit of supporting rest and relaxation. Less tension means you’ll have an easier time falling asleep — and you’ll sleep more deeply. 

How to use your acupressure mat for better sleep

Woman laying on acupressure mat

  • Experiment with more or less time: Some people lay on their mat for just 15 minutes, while others extend their session to 40 minutes. There is no ideal time — experiment and pay attention when you start to feel sleepy.
  • Meditate while on it: Meditation rewires your brain so you can feel happier and calmer. Compound those benefits with acupressure while you listen to this guided yoga nidra meditation on your Sleep Induction Mat.
  • Stimulate your neck meridians: Want to release tension in your head and neck? Place the mat on a rolled-up towel. Lay down so the spikes press into the base of your skull. Lay for up to 15 minutes.
  • Try different sensations: If the spikes are too intense, wear a T-shirt while you lay on the mat. If you don’t feel your body releasing tension, try positioning the mat closer to your neck or closer to your pelvis.

Read next: How to Sleep Better: Science-Backed Sleep Hacks to Wake Up Ready to Go

Join over 1 million fans

Sign-up for the Bulletproof mailing list and receive the latest news and updates!

This is an updated version of an article originally published February 2019.

Statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Information provided by this website or this company is not a substitute for direct, individual medical treatment or advice. It is the responsibility of you and your healthcare providers to make all decisions regarding your health. Bulletproof recommends that you consult with your healthcare providers regarding the diagnosis and treatment of any disease or condition. Products sold on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

About Rebecca Paredes

Rebecca is a writer based in Southern California. She enjoys waking up super early and drinking strong coffee. When she isn't reading about the latest developments in fitness and nutrition, you can find her training jiu jitsu, meal prepping or listening to podcasts.

References

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3559075/
[2] https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/acupunc...
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2928174?dopt=Abstract
[4] https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/Abstract/2011/0600...
[5] https://exploreim.ucla.edu/self-care/acupressure-and-common-...
[6] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S002074890...
[7] https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/Abstract/2011/0600...
[8] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S002074890...

TAGS

SleepSleep Hacks

Related Bulletproof Sleep

Man sleeping in bed

The Best Sleep Supplements and Practices for Quality Rest

Woman in bed looking at her cell phone screen

Melatonin for Sleep: Does it Work?

Woman yawning in bed

13 Sleep Tips for When It’s Hot AF

Woman reading in bed in cabin

How to Sleep Better When You’re Traveling

STAY BULLETPROOF: SUBSCRIBE TODAY

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

SHOP

  • Coffee
  • MCT Oils
  • Proteins
  • Food & Drink
  • Supplements
  • Other
  • All Products

Learn

  • Bulletproof for Beginners
  • Recipes
  • Newsletters & Guides
  • Bulletproof Blog
  • Books

CUSTOMER CARE

  • Contact Us
  • Shipping Policy
  • Return Policy

COMPANY

  • About Us
  • Press
  • Careers
  • Customer Reviews

PARTNERS

  • Store Locator
  • Wholesale
  • Affiliate Program
  • Coach Training
  • Students

†Statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information provided by this website or this company is not a substitute for individual medical advice. | ©Bulletproof 360, Inc. 2013–2021

  • Privacy Policy |
  • Terms |
  • Reseller Policy