Acupuncture for Insomnia

Insomnia can present as difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, or waking too early.

Some methods of managing insomnia include: sleep hygiene practices such as avoiding caffeine too late in the day, cutting down on screen time before bed, and keeping the room temperature at a comfortable setting. Other methods include cognitive behavioral therapy or pharmaceutical medications.

One method that is often not considered, however, is acupuncture. Studies have found acupuncture to be effective in managing insomnia, without side effects. It can also be combined with conventional treatments previously mentioned.

The mechanism by which it is believed to relieve insomnia is by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system to help promote relaxation, and helping to shut off a racing mind, which can be present in insomnia/anxiety. It also helps increase melatonin secretion, stimulates the body’s natural opioids, and regulates neurotransmitters and the brain’s mood chemistry.