What is insomnia?

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder characterised by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or waking up earlier than intended and being unable to return to sleep.

It can affect anyone and may occur occasionally or become a persistent problem. For some people, falling asleep is the main difficulty. Others wake repeatedly during the night or find themselves awake for long periods before being able to fall asleep again.

There are many possible causes and contributing factors, including:

• Stress and emotional wellbeing: prolonged stress, anxiety and depression.

• Lifestyle and sleep habits: irregular sleep schedules, caffeine, alcohol, stimulating activities or intense exercise close to bedtime.

• Physical health: chronic pain, hormonal changes and other medical conditions.

• Other sleep disorders: sleep apnoea and restless legs syndrome.

• Medication and substances: certain medications, stimulants and alcohol can interfere with normal sleep.

Insomnia can affect much more than your energy levels. Poor sleep may influence concentration, mood, memory, pain sensitivity and overall wellbeing. When sleep difficulties persist, it is important to understand what may be contributing to them.

How can acupuncture help with insomnia?

Acupuncture may be a useful complementary approach for people experiencing insomnia and other sleep difficulties.

Research suggests that acupuncture may improve subjective sleep quality and reduce some symptoms of insomnia. However, the quality of evidence varies, and more research is needed to understand how effective it is and which people are most likely to benefit.

The exact mechanisms are not fully understood. Researchers are investigating possible effects on the nervous system and the physiological processes involved in sleep regulation.

Many people also experience a sense of relaxation during and after acupuncture treatment, which may be helpful when stress and tension contribute to their sleep difficulties.

Looking at the Bigger Picture

Sleep is influenced by many interconnected factors. Stress, physical discomfort, hormonal changes, daily routines and emotional wellbeing can all affect how well we sleep.

This is why I look beyond the sleep symptoms themselves and try to understand the factors that may be contributing to them.

During your consultation, we will discuss your sleep patterns, health history, lifestyle and daily routines. We will also look at possible habits or environmental factors that may be affecting your sleep.

Treatment is tailored to your individual needs and may include acupuncture and other techniques where appropriate. We can also discuss practical changes to your sleep routine that may support better sleep.

The aim is to help improve your sleep quality and support your overall wellbeing.

Acupuncture can complement conventional care, but it does not replace medical assessment or established treatments for insomnia. Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), in particular, is an important first-line treatment for chronic insomnia.

How many treatments will I need?

The number and frequency of treatments depend on the nature of your sleep difficulties, how long you have experienced them and how you respond to acupuncture.

Some people notice changes after a few sessions, while others may need a longer course of treatment. We will monitor your progress together and adjust the treatment plan according to your individual needs.

If sleep problems persist for several months, significantly affect your daily life or are accompanied by symptoms such as loud snoring, gasping or pauses in breathing during sleep, it is important to seek medical advice.