Stress & sleep
Acupuncture for Sleep Problems
Poor sleep affects how you feel during the day: your energy, your concentration and your mood. Whether you struggle to fall asleep, wake up frequently during the night or wake too early, acupuncture and laser acupuncture can be used to support the body in finding calm and a healthier sleep rhythm.
What kinds of sleep problems are there?
Sleep problems can present in different ways. Some people lie awake for a long time before falling asleep because their mind keeps racing. Others fall asleep but wake up once or several times during the night and then struggle to get back to sleep. Waking too early or sleeping lightly and restlessly is also common.
The result is often that you wake up unrefreshed. During the day, this can lead to fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating and a shorter fuse. Sometimes a vicious circle develops: worrying about sleep itself makes it even harder to settle down.
Sleep problems can be related to stress, worrying, hormonal changes such as menopause, pain or an irregular rhythm. The pattern of the sleep problems often already gives clues about what is going on.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Sleep problems from a TCM perspective
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, good sleep is associated with a calm Shen (mind) that can settle in the Heart at night. The time at which you wake and how your sleep unfolds give clues about the underlying pattern.
Heart and Spleen deficiency
Xin Pi Liang XuWhen the Heart and Spleen are insufficiently nourished, the mind may struggle to settle at night. This is associated with light sleep, a lot of dreaming, waking frequently, worrying and fatigue during the day.
Heart and Kidneys not in harmony
Xin Shen Bu JiaoWith a deficiency of Yin, TCM describes insufficient cooling and calm. This may be accompanied by difficulty falling asleep, restlessness, night sweats and warmth in the hands and feet, as can occur during menopause.
Ascending Liver Fire
Gan Huo Shang YanProlonged tension or frustration can, within TCM, lead to Heat rising upwards. This is associated with difficulty falling asleep, restless dreams, waking in the early hours of the night and irritability.
How can acupuncture and laser acupuncture help with sleep problems?
Treatment is tailored to the type of sleep problem and the surrounding pattern. Depending on this, acupuncture, laser acupuncture, laser ear acupuncture or a combination may be used.
- 01Targeted acupuncture: very fine needles are used on acupuncture points that are applied within TCM to calm the mind and support the underlying pattern.
- 02Laser ear acupuncture: points on the ear are always treated with the laser, without needles. These points are often used for restlessness and sleep problems and can be combined with the rest of the treatment.
- 03Attention to underlying factors: when sleep problems are related to stress, pain or hormonal changes, these factors are included in the treatment.
- 04Acupressure: targeted pressure on acupuncture points can complement the treatment. You will also be shown points you can massage yourself in the evening before going to sleep.
- 05Sleep rhythm and habits: attention is also given to your daily rhythm, evening habits and other factors that may affect sleep.
Prefer no needles?
Every treatment can also be carried out completely needle-free with laser acupuncture, in which the same points are treated with therapeutic laser light. Ear acupuncture is always carried out with the laser. Acupressure, which also uses no needles, can be used as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can acupuncture help with sleep problems?
Acupuncture can be used to support the body in finding calm and a better sleep rhythm. Treatment is tailored to the type of sleep problem and what else is going on for you.
Does it matter whether I struggle to fall asleep or wake up at night?
Yes. Within Chinese medicine, the pattern of sleep problems gives clues about what is going on. Difficulty falling asleep, waking frequently or waking too early may point to different underlying patterns and call for a different approach.
Can laser acupuncture be used for sleep problems?
Yes. Laser acupuncture can be applied to the same points as needle acupuncture, including ear points that are often used for sleep problems. You feel little to nothing of it, which can make the treatment feel especially calm.
Can acupuncture help with sleep problems during menopause?
Sleep problems during menopause are often related to hot flushes, night sweats and restlessness. Acupuncture can be used to support the body during this phase, addressing both sleep and the accompanying complaints.
Can I continue using sleep medication alongside acupuncture?
Acupuncture can be used alongside sleep medication. If you want to stop or reduce your medication, always discuss this with your GP first.
How many treatments are needed?
This varies per person and depends on how long the sleep problems have existed and what the underlying factors are. After the first treatments, we review together how you respond and what a suitable follow-up would be.
Related
Related complaints & patterns
Stress & tension
Constantly feeling "on", internal tension, and difficulty letting go.
Restlessness & overstimulation
Heightened sensitivity to stimuli, a crowded mind, and emotional restlessness.
Burnout & exhaustion
Prolonged exhaustion, low energy, and the feeling your reserves are empty, even after rest.
Personal Treatment Plan
Sleeping poorly or waking up unrefreshed?
During a treatment, we look at the pattern of your sleep problems and which form of acupuncture suits you best.