How Acupuncture Can Help You Overcome Insomnia
If you’ve ever found yourself staring at the ceiling at 3 a.m., counting sheep with no end in sight, you’re not alone. Insomnia affects millions of people around the world, disrupting lives and impacting mental and physical health. While medications and lifestyle changes are common treatments, more and more people are turning to traditional therapies like acupuncture and traditional medicine for relief. But can acupuncture really help you sleep better? Let’s explore.
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has been practiced for over five thousand years. It involves inserting very fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow (known as "Qi") and restore balance. Though its roots are ancient, acupuncture is one of the most heavily researched modalities in the US, and this evidence-based medicine is now known for its breadth of therapeutic effects—including the potential to treat insomnia at the source.
How Acupuncture Addresses Insomnia
According to TCM, insomnia is often the result of deeper imbalances in the body—whether due to stress, anxiety, poor digestion, or disharmony between the heart and kidney meridian systems. Acupuncture aims to correct the root cause of disharmony, helping to calm the mind and support natural sleep cycles.
From a Western perspective, acupuncture may influence neurotransmitters like serotonin and melatonin, reduce stress hormones such as cortisol, and improve blood circulation—all factors that contribute to better sleep.
What the Research Says
Numerous studies suggest that acupuncture can improve sleep quality, decrease the time it takes to fall asleep, and reduce nighttime awakenings. A review published in Sleep Medicine Reviews found that acupuncture was more effective than no treatment and often comparable to medications, without the side effects.
Another study in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine showed that acupuncture can significantly reduce symptoms of insomnia and improve overall well-being.
What to Expect in a Session
We always begin with a 90-minute, comprehensive consultation and treatment to fully listen to your story, deeply know your wellness goals, and ascertain what disharmonies to address to best help you heal. Your practitioner may ask about your sleep patterns, stress levels, digestion, emotional health, reproductive health and more. We may do acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, tui-na, energy work, and herbal medicine to guide your body towards homeostasis. Most patients feel deeply relaxed during and after the session and notice these effects lasting longer the more cumulatively they come in for treatments.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Acupuncture
Always choose a licensed, experienced acupuncturist. We have years of education, clinical training, and direct patient clinical experience.
Be consistent—insomnia often improves with regular treatments, with most people starting with weekly sessions, then slowly spreading their visits out over time.
Support your sleep with healthy habits like limiting screen time and maintaining a bedtime routine.
Final Thoughts
Acupuncture and TCM offers a promising, holistic approach to managing insomnia. Whether your sleeplessness is due to stress, anxiety, life transitions, or an overactive mind, acupuncture can help restore the balance your body needs for restful sleep. If you're tired of being tired, we can help get you back into your innate vitality.