Can acupuncture really help you sleep? We asked the experts

Acupuncture is known for its relaxing benefits but how effective is it for sleeping? It’s no secret that many of us have a hard time getting some good quality shut-eye when we finally lay our heads down on our pillows at night. In fact, research by Formula Health suggests that as many as 16 million adults are suffering from sleepless nights, with over a third (36%) of the population having insomnia. 

According to an acupuncturist, Asha Chong, it’s great for producing melatonin, which is key to getting good sleep. 

“Acupuncture can help with a better night’s sleep because it stimulates the production of melatonin; a hormone that regulates our sleep and wake cycles, and so improves our quantity of sleep,” Chong tells GLAMOUR. “It reduces the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, our body’s fight or flight responses, therefore promoting relaxation and improving our quality of sleep.” 

The powerful practice can teach you how to fall asleep as it helps to regulate our serotonin levels, which stabilises mood swings, reduces feelings of anger or anxiety, and produces healthy sleeping patterns as a result. Plus, more sleep will of course mean a better lifestyle, which is why we actually sleep in the first place. Scientists have been trying to figure out the why behind sleep for centuries, and while there are a whole bunch of theories, the short and simple answer is that we need it to function, whether we like it or not. 

So, here’s what you need to know about how it works, how often you’d need to get it and the other benefits of acupuncture before you book yourself an appointment… 

How often do you need acupuncture to improve your sleep? 

Most clients notice a significant improvement in their sleep patterns as early as the first acupuncture session, according to Chong. However, the majority will only start reaping the benefits after three or four weekly sessions. 

“I recommend treatment every 14, 21 or 28 days depending on the client’s progress, as well as taking into account the severity of the sleep problem and any emotional and/or physical problems that may be the underlying cause,” she explains. “Paying attention to and following a sleep hygiene routine – setting a stable sleep schedule, following a nightly routine, optimising a sleeping environment and cultivating healthy daily habits – is also central to setting up for better sleep. I always try to encourage my clients to make gradual adjustments to improve their sleep health.” 

Chong also points out that many of her clients tend to experience a sense of calm that makes them feel attuned to their bodies. In turn, this helps them achieve a deeper sleep. They’re also more alert, more creative, better focused and less stressed – a major win if you ask us! 

What are some other key benefits of acupuncture? 

As well as soothing sleepless nights, acupuncture has a plethora of other health benefits that can potentially improve your overall wellness. 

“Some common complaints that individuals typically seek help with are stress, anxiety, headaches, hay fever digestion disorders, skin problems, gynaecology, fertility, IVF and pregnancy,” says Chong. 

“The list is wide-ranging. The symptoms clients present with are alarm bells signalling that something is wrong. My focus, as a Five Element acupuncturist, is to get to the root of the problem to restore balance and help a client’s whole system find its way back to harmony and vitality. Symptoms are not treated one by one, but treated simultaneously as internal homeostasis is restored.” 

If you are concerned about your sleep, it’s always recommended to book an appointment with your GP to discuss diagnosis and treatment. You can find your local GP here.