Have you ever found yourself lying in bed, exhausted—but your brain just won’t shut off?
You’re not alone. Insomnia is one of the most common concerns I hear in my naturopathic medicine practice. Whether it’s difficulty falling asleep, waking in the night and not being able to get back to sleep, or feeling unrested no matter how many hours you get—it’s exhausting, literally!
And while there are plenty of sleep supplements and medications out there, many people are looking for a natural solution that works with their body, not just masks the symptoms. That’s where acupuncture comes in.
Why Acupuncture Works for Sleep
One of acupuncture’s most powerful effects is on the nervous system. It helps shift the body out of “fight-or-flight” mode and into a calmer, more restorative state—exactly what we need before bed.
It also promotes the transition into alpha and theta brain wave states—the same frequencies your brain naturally enters right before you fall asleep. This helps quiet mental chatter and ease the body into deep rest.
Research shows acupuncture can:
• Boost melatonin production (your natural sleep hormone)
• Improve sleep quality and duration
• Reduce nighttime awakenings
• Lower cortisol, the stress hormone that often disrupts sleep
• Regulate the HPA axis, which helps the body adapt to stress
Studies have shown it’s effective for both primary insomnia (sleep issues on their own) and secondary insomnia (when sleep is disrupted by stress, anxiety, pain, or hormonal shifts). Some research even suggests it may be as effective as sleep medications—without the side effects or dependency.
And because acupuncture works holistically, patients often report other benefits too: better mood, smoother digestion, fewer stress reactions, and even clearer skin.
In short? It’s not just relaxing—it’s deeply restorative.
How I Use Acupuncture for Insomnia in My Clinic
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for sleep—especially when hormones, stress, or blood sugar are involved. That’s why I always start by uncovering what’s driving your sleep issues.
Acupuncture treatments are gentle, individualized, and designed to calm the nervous system while supporting deeper imbalances.
Common patterns I see include:
• Trouble falling asleep – often tied to racing thoughts or high cortisol
• Waking in the night – linked to stress, hormonal shifts, or blood deficiency
• Light, unrefreshing sleep – frequently connected to adrenal fatigue or low melatonin
I often pair acupuncture with targeted therapies like magnesium, calming herbs, or nervous system reset work—because sleep rarely improves from one angle alone.
Bottom Line: Acupuncture is more than Just relaxing!
If you’re tired of being tired, acupuncture may be the missing piece.
Whether you’re navigating perimenopause, burnout, or just a season of stress, you deserve deep, restorative sleep. Acupuncture offers a gentle, effective way to help your body remember how to rest again—naturally.
Curious if acupuncture could help you sleep better?
Let’s talk about it. If you’re not sure where to start, I offer free discovery calls to help you understand how acupuncture and naturopathic care can support your sleep. And if you’re ready to dive in, you can book your first session right away.
Click here to book a discovery call or your acupuncture appointment.
Let’s get you back to deep, restorative sleep—because when sleep improves, everything improves.
Disclaimer: Any information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in place of professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of a qualified health care practitioner with any questions or health concerns you may have and before starting any new treatments (including supplements).