Acupuncture for Insomnia: How It Helps You Sleep Better
Struggling to fall asleep—or stay asleep—can be deeply frustrating, leaving both your body and mind worn out. I recently came across a very well designed randomised controlled trial (RCT) that was able to show how acupuncture may provide real relief for those suffering from primary insomnia.
Yin, X, Gou, M, Xu, J, Dong, B, Yin, P, Masquelin, F, Wu, J, Lao, L & Xu, S 2017, ‘Efficacy and safety of acupuncture treatment on primary insomnia: a randomized controlled trial’, Sleep Medicine, vol. 37, pp. 193–200.
What the Study Shows
In this trial, researchers recruited 72 adults diagnosed with primary insomnia and divided them into two groups: one receiving real acupuncture, and the other undergoing sham acupuncture, where needles were mimicked but not actually inserted. Participants were blinded to which group they were in, allowing the true effect of acupuncture beyond placebo to show. Treatments were given three times per week for four weeks, with assessments continuing for a total of eight weeks.
Measurements included:
Primary outcome: Insomnia Severity Index (ISI)
Secondary outcomes: Sleep Efficiency (SE), Total Sleep Time (TST), Sleep Awakenings (SA) via actigraphy, plus anxiety (SAS) and depression (SDS) ratings
Key findings:
The acupuncture group showed significant improvement in ISI scores already at two weeks post-treatment — and these improvements continued through a four-week follow-up.
Objective sleep metrics improved notably in the acupuncture group: better sleep efficiency, longer total sleep time, and fewer awakenings.
Anxiety and depression scores (SAS and SDS) decreased significantly — but mostly during the follow-up period, not immediately during treatment.
In summary, acupuncture outperformed sham acupuncture in improving both sleep quality and psychological wellbeing, with benefits that appeared to build and last beyond the treatment window.
How Might Acupuncture Work?
From a Chinese Medicine perspective, acupuncture promotes the smooth flow of Qi and balances physiological functions that facilitate restful sleep. From the article, acupuncture is believed to support the natural regulation of neurotransmitters — increasing serotonin and GABA, while reducing glutamate (which has excitatory properties) — thus promoting a calmer, more balanced state conducive to sleep.
Acknowledging the Limitations
As promising as this RCT is, the authors acknowledge several limitations:
The sample size was relatively small, which can limit statistical power and generalisability.
A limited treatment and follow-up period — just 8 weeks total — whcih doesn’t tell us much about long-term effectiveness.
Participants’ mental and emotional states weren’t fully controlled, which is challenging but important in sleep studies.
Now in terms of Chinese Medicine, the way we practice involves tailoring treatments to each individual’s unique pattern (e.g., digestive concerns, stress levels, energy fluctuations). Standardised protocols like this trial used the same acupoints for everyone, which may not fully capture acupuncture’s true potential.
What This Means for You
This journal article offers strong evidence that acupuncture can enhance sleep quality and mental health in people with primary insomnia. As treatments were meaningfully effective — it should be noted that consistency is key.
If you’re tired of tossing and turning or waking up feeling just as exhausted as when you went to bed, acupuncture may offer a natural, effective path back to a restful sleep.
Ready to Rest Again?
If insomnia or restlessness is wearing you down, you don’t have to figure it on your own. Acupuncture could be the gentle, holistic support you need to reset your sleep and restore balance.
Feel free to reach out if you’re ready to start getting back the rest you need!
What to Expect When You Visit
We’ll start by talking through your sleep patterns — how long it takes you to fall asleep, whether you wake during the night, and how rested you feel in the morning. I’ll also ask about stress levels, digestion, and energy, since all of these can affect sleep.
Treatment focuses on calming your nervous system, easing tension, and helping your body shift into “rest mode.” Acupuncture points will be chosen to quiet the mind, regulate stress pathways, and support your natural sleep cycles.
Many people notice that over a few sessions, they fall asleep more easily, stay asleep longer, and wake feeling more refreshed. As sleep improves, you may also find that your energy, mood, and overall wellbeing naturally get better as well.