Acupuncture for Insomnia

Figure 1: Geelong Sleep Disorders Centre 2025

What is Insomnia?

Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty initiating sleep, maintaining sleep, or experiencing premature awakening with an inability to return to sleep. These sleep disturbances can lead to daytime fatigue, heightened irritability, and impaired concentration, which may negatively affect daily functioning and overall well-being. 1,2 

Causes

Elevated stress levels or worry related to school or work, interpersonal relationships, financial matters, or the loss of a loved one can heighten the risk of insomnia. Preoccupation with obtaining sufficient sleep and actively monitoring the time may also contribute to or exacerbate insomnia. 3

Certain environmental factors and occupational conditions can disrupt the regulation of consistent sleep and wakefulness patterns. These include working shifts or during the night, exposure to noise or light during nighttime hours, uncomfortable ambient temperatures, and frequent travel across different time zones. 3

Lifestyle choices can also contribute to an elevated risk of sleep disturbances. These include frequent alterations to one's regular routine, particularly the sleep schedule, experiencing interruptions in sleep such as those associated with infant care, insufficient physical activity during waking hours, the consumption of substances like caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, or recreational drugs, and the use of television or electronic devices shortly before bedtime.1,3

Underlying medical conditions, where physical illnesses and pain may disrupt sleep; and other sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, which can significantly impact sleep.3

Research indicates that insomnia is more prevalent in women than in men. Hormonal fluctuations, such as those occurring during pregnancy and menopause, can contribute to sleep-related difficulties.2,3

Finally, the likelihood of experiencing insomnia tends to increase with age.3

Signs and symptoms

One common experience, particularly among younger adults, is trouble falling asleep when they intend to. Additionally, sleep may occur in brief intervals, with frequent awakenings throughout the night or extended periods of wakefulness. This pattern is the most prevalent symptom, often affecting older adults. Furthermore, waking prematurely in the morning with an inability to resume sleep is also a common occurrence. 4

The long-term poor sleep quality can lead to a persistent feeling of being unrested upon waking, accompanied by daytime sleepiness. Individuals may also encounter difficulties concentrating which can impact your focus and productivity during the day.  Insomnia can contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression, or heightened irritability  which can affect your interactions and overall well-being. 4

Treatment

Insomnia treatment often involves a multifaceted approach, combining behavioral strategies, changes to daily habits, and sometimes, medication. A particularly successful method is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). This therapy focuses on identifying and modifying the psychological and behavioral patterns that contribute to difficulties with sleep. Additionally, establishing the following sleep hygiene practices plays a vital role in managing insomnia. 6,7

To improve your sleep, ensure your bedroom is cool, quiet, and dark. Avoid TV and electronic devices before bed. Try to sleep and wake up at consistent times daily. 

Please avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol close to bedtime. Regular daytime physical activity, done at least 5 to 6 hours before sleep, is beneficial. Limit or avoid naps, especially in the afternoon.

Maintain a regular meal schedule and avoid late-night dinners. Limit fluids before bed. Practice stress management through relaxation techniques like reading, listening to calming music, or taking a hot bath. Consult your doctor about medications that may interfere with sleep. 5

Acupuncture 

Evidence suggests that acupuncture can contribute to improvements in sleep quality, a reduction in anxiety levels, and an increase in overall sleep duration. Notably, a systematic review indicates that acupuncture has demonstrated the capacity to enhance objective sleep indices, including improvements in sleep efficiency and a decrease in sleep onset latency. 8-11

About the Author

Youngmi Choi

Ripple Acupuncture | Newcastle | New Lambton

As an AHPRA-registered acupuncturist with 15 years of nursing experience, I offer safe, effective, and holistic care.

My special interests include pain management, psycho-emotional well-being, digestive balance, and women’s health & fertility.

My approach is outcome-focused, and clients receive a clear care plan with personalized lifestyle advice.

If you have any questions about your insomnia condition, please make an online booking, submit an online enquiry or call me on 0402 474 884. 

Reference

1. Healthdirect (2023). Insomnia; [reviewed 2025 May 3]. Available from:  https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/insomnia

2. Passarella, S. & Duong, M. Diagnosis and treatment of insomnia. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy. 2008; 65 (10): 927-934. https://doi.org/10.2146/ajhp060640

3. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (2022). Insomnia: Causes and Risk Factors; [reviewed 2025 May 3]. Available from: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/insomnia/causes

4. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (2022). Insomnia:Symptoms; [reviewed 2025 May 3]. Available from: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/insomnia/symptoms

5. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (2022). Insomnia:Treatment ; [reviewed 2025 May 3]. Available from: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/insomnia/treatment

6. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (2022). Sleep Disorder Treatment ; [reviewed 2025 May 3]. Available from: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep-disorder-treatments

7. Rossman, J. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia: An Effective and Underutilized Treatment for Insomnia. American journal of lifestyle medicine. 2019; 13(6): 544-547. doi: 10.1177/1559827619867677

8. Yang, E. & Yeh, G. (2023). Overview of the clinical uses of acupuncture. In M. Aronson & K. Law (Ed.). UpToDate; [reviewed 2025 May 3]. Available from:   https://www.uptodate.com/contents/overview-of-the-clinical-uses-of-acupuncture

9. Cao, H., Pan, X., Li, H. & Liu, J. Acupuncture for Treatment of Insomnia: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine. 2009; 15(11): 1171-1186. doi: 10.1089/acm.2009.0041

10. Yin, X., Li, W., Liang, T., Lu, B., Yue, H., Li, S., Zhong, V. W., Zhang, W., Li, X., Zhou, S., Mi, Y., Wu, H., & Xu, S. Effect of Electroacupuncture on Insomnia in Patients With Depression: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA network open. 2022; 5(7), e2220563. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33376432/

11. Yin, X., Gou, M., Xu, J., Dong, B., Yin, P., Masquelin, F., Wu, J., Lao, L., & Xu, S. Efficacy and safety of acupuncture treatment on primary insomnia: a randomized controlled trial. Sleep medicine. 2017; 37, 193–200. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28899535/

12. Geelong Sleep Disorders Centre (2025). Insomnia; [reviewed 3 May 2025]. Available from: https://geelongsleep.com.au/insomnia/