Acupuncture for Insomnia
What Is Insomnia?
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that makes it difficult for a person to get enough restful sleep. It can be short-term, triggered by stress or emotional distress, or long-term and ongoing. Things like anxiety, trauma, irregular schedules, or certain health conditions can all lead to insomnia. Over time, poor sleep can take a toll on both mental and physical health, affecting how well you function during the day. It can also worsen certain pre-existing conditions.
Chronic insomnia is more common than people think and may last for months or even years if left untreated. It’s usually linked to lifestyle factors like late-night screen use, caffeine, or shift work. In some cases, improving sleep habits, managing stress, or using therapy like CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia) can help.
Symptoms of Insomnia
- Difficulty falling asleep. Taking more than 30 minutes to drift off at night.
- Waking during the night. Repeatedly waking up and struggling to get back to sleep.
- Waking too early. Rising well before you intend to, and then being unable to fall back to sleep.
- Daytime fatigue or sleepiness. Feeling drowsy or unrefreshed during the day, even after a full night in bed.
- Low mood or irritability. Experiencing heightened feelings of annoyance, sadness, or anxiety caused by poor rest.
- Trouble focusing or remembering. Persistent sleep loss can lead to difficulty concentrating or recalling information.
- Worrying about sleep. Obsessing over not sleeping and feeling anxious about bedtime.
Can Acupuncture Help With Insomnia?
Acupuncture therapy is often used to improve both the quality and length of sleep, while also helping with anxiety and restlessness that may keep you up at night. Instead of focusing on just one symptom, acupuncture for insomnia looks at the body as a whole – treating imbalances that may be negatively affecting your sleep. It works by targeting specific acupuncture points for anxiety and insomnia. Some people also find it helps with related problems like stress, fatigue, or chronic pain. Regular sessions can help falling asleep faster, staying asleep longer, and feeling more rested in the morning. Insomnia can come from other underlying issues. For example, if you feel restless or suffer from headaches, you may find help by choosing acupuncture for anxiety or acupuncture for migraines.
In traditional Chinese medicine, patterns like Heart and Spleen deficiency or Liver Qi stagnation are believed to disrupt sleep. By treating these root causes, acupuncture for insomnia may also ease symptoms like racing thoughts, mood swings, or night sweats.
Acupuncture Points for Anxiety and Insomnia
- An Mian (Peaceful Sleep). Located just behind each earlobe, near the upper neck. It’s often used specifically to make you feel calmer and help ease insomnia and mild anxiety.
- HT7 (Shenmen / Spirit Gate). Located at the wrist crease on the pinky-side. This point calms the mind, decreases stress, and makes your sleep better.
- SP6 (Sanyinjiao / Three Yin Intersection). Located about four finger-widths above the inner ankle bone along the tibia’s edge. It’s used to calm the mind and support sleep, especially when anxiety or digestion caused it.
- KI6 (Zhaohai / Shining Sea). Just below the inner ankle bone. This point provides a calming effect, helping deepen rest and improve sleep quality.
- Yintang (Hall of Impression / Third Eye). Located between the eyebrows, at the upper bridge of the nose. Massaging this helps clear mental tension and provides a calming effect.
- LI4 (Hegu / Union Valley). Found between the thumb and index finger in the webbed area. It’s a popular choice for easing stress, headaches, and providing relaxation.
- PC6 (Neiguan / Inner Frontier Gate). Located three finger-widths above the wrist on the inner arm. It’s usually used to calm unease, reduce anxiety, and settle stomach-related stress.
How Many Sessions of Acupuncture Are Needed for Insomnia?
The number of acupuncture for sleep sessions needed for insomnia can vary a lot depending on how long you’ve had sleep issues and what’s causing them. If your insomnia is recent, you might start feeling better after just a few treatments. But if it’s been going on for months or even years, a longer treatment plan – sometimes several weeks or more – may be needed to see actual results.
Everyone’s body responds differently. During your first visit, the acupuncturist will usually go over your health history and current symptoms to create a plan with unique acupuncture points for insomnia. Some people also receive Chinese herbs or other support for stress and pain if those are connected to their sleep problems. Consistency also matters a lot – if you don’t follow your treatment plan, you may not receive any positive results.
Acupuncture for Insomnia at Copper Wellness in Chicago, IL
- At Copper Wellness, acupuncture for sleep is more than just a treatment – it’s part of a personalized, whole-body approach to better sleep. Located in Chicago, IL, our clinic uses traditional techniques with modern knowledge to better help both your mind and body. We focus on finding the cause of your sleep issues and use professional acupuncture for sleep issues sessions to help.
- What sets Copper Wellness apart is our genuine commitment to integrative care. That means your acupuncture services for insomnia are coordinated with other healing options (if needed), like herbal support, massage, and lifestyle advice, among others. You’re never just another appointment – we take time to listen and adjust your care plan as your condition improves.
- If you’re tired of restless nights and want a natural way to sleep better, we’re here to help. Schedule your first acupuncture for sleep disorders consultation at Copper Wellness and see how we can help you sleep better and wake up feeling more rested!
Schedule a consultation here to find out!
Reviews About Acupuncture for Insomnia
I am moving from Chicago soon and truly going to miss this amazing clinic.
From the beginning, I was clear that billing transparency was important to me. Despite that, I ran into repeated issues with billing. The clinic charged me estimated amounts that didn’t ultimately match my Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from UnitedHealthcare, and when I brought up the discrepancies—with actual documentation to back it up—I was met with defensiveness rather than a willingness to resolve things collaboratively.
One particularly strange policy I encountered was that this clinic might charge a “clinic fee” if UnitedHealthcare doesn’t accommodate their cash rates. This seems to blur the lines between in-network and out-of-network billing.
Meanwhile, claims weren’t submitted to insurance promptly, which delayed payments and caused unnecessary confusion—none of which was my fault as the patient.
Bottom line: I paid what I was invoiced on time, asked reasonable questions when things didn’t add up, and was made to feel like I was the problem for doing so. I’ve since paused services until this can be sorted out—and I feel compelled to share my experience here.
Our Insurance Partners
We accept most major insurance plans depending on your type of service.
FAQs About Acupuncture for Insomnia
Does Acupuncture Work for Insomnia?
Yes, acupuncture works for insomnia by helping regulate the nervous system and promoting deeper, more restful sleep. At Copper Wellness in Chicago, IL, we offer personalized acupuncture for insomnia treatments that target underlying imbalances contributing to poor sleep. By stimulating specific points on the body, acupuncture for sleep reduces stress, calms the mind, and supports natural sleep cycles — without the side effects of medication.
Where Do Acupuncture Needles Go for Insomnia?
For insomnia, acupuncture needles are typically placed in points on the head, wrists, ankles, and ears to calm the nervous system and support sleep regulation. At Copper Wellness in Chicago, IL, our acupuncture for insomnia sessions focus on key meridians linked to stress, anxiety, and sleep disorders. This targeted approach helps restore balance, quiet the mind, and improve sleep quality naturally.
What Can I Expect During an Acupuncture Session?
During an acupuncture session, you can expect a relaxing experience where thin, sterile needles are gently inserted into specific points to promote healing and balance. At Copper Wellness in Chicago, IL, your acupuncture session begins with a consultation to understand your health concerns, such as stress, pain, or insomnia. You’ll then lie comfortably as the practitioner places the needles — most people feel little to no discomfort. The session typically lasts 45–60 minutes and often leaves clients feeling deeply relaxed and rejuvenated.
Is Acupuncture Safe for Insomnia?
Yes, acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for insomnia when performed by a licensed professional. At Copper Wellness in Chicago, IL, we provide acupuncture for insomnia using sterile, single-use needles and personalized treatment plans to ensure both safety and optimal results. Many clients experience better sleep and reduced anxiety without the risks associated with medications.
Contact Information
Learn more about our clinic and doctors and why they are trusted by so many families in our community.
Tue - Thu: 9AM - 8PM
Fri: 9AM - 6PM
Sat: 9AM - 4PM