Acupuncture Improves Sleep
According to the Cleveland Clinic’s website, “Sleep disorders are conditions that affect the quality, amount and timing of sleep you’re able to get at night. Common sleep disorders include insomnia, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy and sleep apnea. Sleep disorders can affect your mental health and physical health.”
Insomnia, which is described as having trouble falling and staying asleep, is one of the most common sleep problems. It is considered chronic, if it occurs most nights for at least three months, resulting in tiredness and irritability. (Cleveland Clinic)
Because acupuncture is known to help calm the nervous system, reduce inflammation and pain, it is commonly sought after for as a sleep aid. I have had many patients with sleep problems that improve with regular acupuncture visits. I even recall many times in my life when I’ve had insomnia that was resolved with acupuncture. Those with chronic or severe insomnia should expect to have weekly visits for at least 10-15 visits. Those who have had insomnia for ten years or more, should consider weekly or twice weekly acupuncture for a longer course of treatment than mentioned above.
Research on Acupuncture and Sleep
A narrative review published in 2020 looked at 79 projects in various countries on the subject of acupuncture and sleep problems. It was found that acupuncture in many different forms, including acupressure, was useful as a sleep aid. (Cheng)
A 2021 systemic review and meta-analysis of eleven studies involving 775 patients looking at acupuncture for the treatment of primary insomnia. This study concluded that acupuncture was associated with improvements in sleep time, efficiency, reductions in waking and quality of sleep with a minimum of twelve treatments. (Zhao et. al)
A 2021 study looked at the affects of anesthesia on sleep in post-operative elderly patients. The study concluded that acupuncture improved neurotransmitter levels and regulated circadian rhythms which improved postoperative sleep quality. (Song, et. al)
Insomnia can be common for women in menopause and post-menopause. In 2012 a randomized double-blind trial concluded that acupuncture is effective for improving sleep quality as well as quality of life in post menopausal women who are dealing with insomnia. (Hachul et. al)
Please note that acupuncture is not a quick fix. Regular visits are required for any long term problem you’re having.
Written by Dr. Emily Siy, DACM on 3/21/25, posted on 5/26/25
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You might also be interested in reading: Menopause and Chinese Medicine, 5 Chinese Herbs to Improve Sleep, TCM Circadian Clock
Sources:
Cheng, Feng Kei (2020) The Effectiveness of Acupuncture on Sleep Disorders: A Narrative Review Alternative Therapies In Health and Medicine Jan;26(1):26-48. PMID: 31221943.
Cleveland Clinic Online, Sleep Disorders https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11429-sleep-disorders
Song, B., Luo, M. & Zhu, J. (2021) The efficacy of acupuncture in postoperative sleep quality: a literature review. Sleep Breathing Physiology and Disorders Sept Vol 25, 571–577
Zhao, FY., Fu, QQ., Kennedy, G.A., Conduit, R., Zhang WJ, Wu, WZ., Zheng, Z. (2021) Can acupuncture improve objective sleep indices in patients with primary insomnia? A systematic review and meta-analysis Sleep Medicine, Vol 80 April pp 244-259
Hachul, H., Garcia, T.K.P., Maciel, A.L., Yagihara, F., Tufik, S., Bittencourt, L. (2012) Acupuncture improves sleep in postmenopause in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study Climacteric Volume 16, 2012 - Issue 1