Tired of Tossing and Turning? Let Acupuncture Tuck You In!
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If you are one of the many, many Americans who have trouble falling or staying asleep at night, I am here to tell you how acupuncture might be your solution. Acupuncture can help sleep in so many ways but I will discuss the top 5 ways below.
It calms the nervous system
One of the most powerful effects acupuncture has on the body is its ability to shift you into the parasympathetic nervous system—also known as “rest and digest” mode. When you’re stressed, overwhelmed, or mentally wired, your sympathetic nervous system (the “fight-or-flight” response) stays switched on. This makes it nearly impossible to fall asleep peacefully. Acupuncture helps your body transition into a deeply relaxed state, easing racing thoughts and physical tension.
It lowers stress hormones
High cortisol (body’s stress hormone) is a major culprit behind insomnia. Chronic stress keeps cortisol levels elevated when they should be naturally dropping at night. Acupuncture has been shown to help regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, reducing excessive cortisol and bringing your stress response back into balance. A calmer stress system leads to smoother, more consistent sleep patterns.
It boosts natural sleep chemicals
Good sleep depends on a delicate balance of neurotransmitters and hormones. Acupuncture can increase the availability of several key compounds that support healthy sleep:
Melatonin – the hormone that controls your sleep-wake cycle
Serotonin – a mood stabilizer and melatonin precursor
GABA – a calming neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation
With these systems working more efficiently, the body can enter deeper, more restorative sleep.
It relieves physical tension and pain
Sometimes sleep issues come from the body rather than the mind. Tight muscles, chronic pain, migraines, digestive discomfort, and hormonal imbalances can all interfere with restful sleep. Acupuncture improves circulation, reduces inflammation, and helps release areas of tension—creating the physical comfort needed for uninterrupted sleep.
It addresses the root causes of insomnia
One reason acupuncture is so effective is because it doesn’t just mask symptoms; it treats underlying imbalances. Whether your sleep trouble is related to anxiety, stress, pain, menopause, or a busy lifestyle, acupuncture can be tailored to your specific pattern. This holistic approach often leads to improvements in other areas of health as well, such as mood, digestion, and energy levels.
If you would like to hear more or have specific questions answered regarding your sleep problems, feel free to book a 15 min free phone consultation to speak with one of our acupuncturists.