Can Acupuncture Support Better Sleep?

 

Can Acupuncture Support Better Sleep? What the Research Suggests

 If you’ve ever struggled with poor sleep—difficulty dropping off, waking during the night, or not feeling rested in the morning you’re not alone. Sleep disruption is a common experience, often linked to stress, anxiety, or physical discomfort.

 While acupuncture isn’t a treatment for insomnia in a medical sense, recent research suggests it may help support the body in moving toward more restful states and some people report sleeping better as a result.

 

What the Research Shows

 Studies using EEG (electroencephalogram) technology have started to explore how acupuncture may influence the brain’s activity. One such study from Tianjin University in China observed that participants receiving acupuncture showed a reduction in high-frequency brainwaves (typically associated with alertness) and an increase in slower delta waves commonly seen during deep sleep.

 This doesn’t mean acupuncture causes sleep, but it raises interesting questions about how it might encourage a shift toward physiological states associated with rest and recovery.

 

 Broader Research Insights

 Other studies have looked at sleep quality in people receiving acupuncture for a variety of reasons. Findings suggest it may:

- Help people fall asleep more quickly

 - Support deeper stages of sleep

 - Reduce sleep disturbances in some individuals

 These effects however are not guaranteed, as physiological responses to acupuncture vary from person to person.  It's worth noting that many studies call for more rigorous research to better understand how and for whom acupuncture may be most beneficial.

 

My Approach in Practice

 In my clinical work, clients sometimes tell me they sleep more deeply or feel calmer after acupuncture sessions. This may relate to acupuncture’s potential effects on the nervous system helping promote relaxation and easing tension but it’s always part of a wider picture. I offer acupuncture as a support for general wellbeing and sleep may improve as a side effect of that.

 Acupuncture is typically most helpful when offered as part of a course of sessions and in combination with other supportive approaches, such as good sleep hygiene or talking therapy.

 

If You're Considering Acupuncture

 If you're curious about whether acupuncture might support your sleep or overall wellbeing, I offer sessions in Berkhamsted. You're welcome to get in touch to discuss whether it feels like a good fit for you.

 As always, if you’re experiencing persistent sleep issues or other health concerns, it’s important to speak to your GP or a qualified medical professional.

 

References

 Li, L., et al. (2023). EEG Changes in Healthy Volunteers After Acupuncture. Tianjin University.

 Cao, H. et al. (2017). Acupuncture for Insomnia: A Meta-analysis. Journal of Sleep Research.

 JAMA Network Open (2024). Acupuncture and Sleep Quality in Parkinson’s Disease.

 

Article last updated July 2025

 

About Sean

Sean Heneghan is a BACP registered counsellor, a traditional acupuncturist and member of The British Acupuncture Coucncil based in Berkhamsted. He integrates an understanding of nervous system regulation, stress, and emotional wellbeing into his approach. Drawing from acupuncture, cognitive hypnotherapy, and Gestalt-informed therapy, Sean works with clients experiencing anxiety, chronic stress, sleep difficulties, and burnout. His acupuncture practice supports clients seeking natural ways to regulate their nervous system and explore restfulness .

 Sean offers therapy and acupuncture from Berkhamsted Chiropractic Clinic