Acupuncture for Insomnia
Sleep Better, Naturally. Restore restful sleep and wake refreshed with gentle, holistic acupuncture treatment — delivered by AFPA registered practitioner.
How Acupuncture Supports Deep, Restorative Sleep
Around 29% of people in Ireland experience insomnia symptoms, yet many struggle to find lasting relief. If you've been caught in a cycle of restless nights, racing thoughts, or waking up exhausted, acupuncture offers a natural, evidence-based path to better sleep.
Rather than simply masking symptoms, acupuncture addresses the root patterns that keep your nervous system in overdrive. Research shows that acupuncture can increase nocturnal melatonin secretion, reduce sleep onset latency, and improve total sleep time and sleep efficiency. You're not just getting temporary relief, you're helping your body rediscover its natural sleep rhythm.
At AcuFusion, William O'Donnell combines Traditional Chinese Medicine wisdom with modern sleep science to create personalised treatment plans. Whether stress, hormonal shifts, chronic pain, or an overactive mind keeps you awake, acupuncture works by calming your nervous system, balancing neurotransmitters, and supporting your body's own ability to rest deeply.
How Acupuncture Can Help
Experience the Benefits:
Calms an Overactive Nervous System
Acupuncture modulates the activities of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, regulating neurotransmitters including serotonin, GABA, and melatonin, all essential for sleep regulation. By shifting your body from "fight or flight" into "rest and digest" mode, acupuncture helps quiet the mental chatter and physical tension that keep you awake.
Supports Natural Melatonin Production
Studies show that acupuncture increases melatonin levels in the pineal gland whilst regulating dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine in key brain regions. This means your body begins producing sleep hormones more effectively, rather than relying on external supplements.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Clinical trials demonstrate that acupuncture significantly reduces both state and trait anxiety scores in people with insomnia. Many of our clients report feeling calmer during the day and less prone to the worry spirals that used to hijack bedtime.
Addresses Co-existing Conditions
Research indicates acupuncture improves concurrent symptoms such as depression, anxiety, fatigue, and cognitive impairments in people with insomnia. Whether pain, hormonal changes, or digestive issues disturb your sleep, we create a treatment plan that addresses the whole picture.
Your Treatment Plan
Studies suggest that patients with primary insomnia may experience noteworthy symptom improvement throughout acupuncture treatment lasting longer than 3 weeks. Typically, we recommend treatments 1-2 times per week for the first 4-6 sessions, then gradually space them out as your sleep stabilises.
Treatment may include:
Traditional body acupuncture targeting sleep-regulating points
Auricular (ear) acupuncture with tiny retention seeds you take home
Gentle guidance on sleep hygiene and calming routines based on TCM principles
Your First Appointment
Your initial appointment takes 45-60 minutes and includes your first treatment. William will ask detailed questions about your sleep patterns — when you struggle to fall asleep, how often you wake, what thoughts keep you up, and what's happened in your life lately. He'll also check your pulse and tongue (key diagnostic tools in Traditional Chinese Medicine) to understand the underlying imbalances affecting your rest.
You'll leave this first session with a personalised treatment plan and realistic timelines. Most people begin noticing shifts within 3-6 sessions.
What to Expect
Between Sessions
You might notice subtle shifts after your first treatment, perhaps feeling calmer around bedtime, sleeping more deeply, or waking less throughout the night. Some people feel energised initially; others feel deeply relaxed. Both responses are positive signs that your nervous system is recalibrating.
We'll provide simple self-care techniques, including acupressure points you can use at home and breathing exercises to support continued progress between visits.
Is Insomnia Acupuncture for You?
Pain Acupuncture Works Well if You Experience:
Difficulty falling asleep, even when exhausted
Waking frequently during the night or very early morning
Racing thoughts or anxiety that intensifies at bedtime
Stress-related insomnia from work, life transitions, or worry
Hormonal sleep disruption (perimenopause, menstrual cycle changes)
Sleep disturbance linked to chronic pain or digestive issues
Reliance on sleep medications you'd like to reduce
Important to Understand
Meta-analyses comparing acupuncture versus pharmacotherapy demonstrate that acupuncture had a significant effect on patients with insomnia as assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. However, acupuncture works best when combined with sensible sleep habits. We're not promising instant fixes; instead, we offer a partnership where acupuncture supports your body's ability to rest while you make sustainable lifestyle adjustments.
Results build gradually. Most people notice improvements within their first few sessions, with more substantial changes emerging over 6-10 treatments.
Safety Considerations
Acupuncture is extremely safe when performed by qualified practitioners. At AcuFusion, we use single-use sterile needles and follow strict clean-needle protocols. We'll discuss your complete medical history during your initial appointment to ensure treatment is appropriate for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Acupuncture Help if I've Had Insomnia for Years?
Yes. Research shows that insomnia is often persistent, with 69% of people who have insomnia at baseline still experiencing it at 12-month follow-up. However, even chronic insomnia responds to acupuncture because we're addressing underlying nervous system dysregulation and neurotransmitter imbalances, not just surface symptoms.
The longer you've struggled, the more patience the process requires, but lasting change is absolutely possible.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Studies comparing acupuncture with medications show that acupuncture requires more treatments initially to surpass the effectiveness of medication, but maintenance of treatment effects has been found to be up to 3.5 years at follow-up. Most people notice changes within 3-6 sessions. For long-standing insomnia, we typically recommend a course of 8-12 treatments, followed by occasional maintenance sessions.
We review your progress at sessions 3-4 and adjust your plan accordingly.
Is Acupuncture Safe With Sleep Medications?
In most cases, yes. Acupuncture complements conventional treatments safely. Many of our clients work with their GPs to gradually reduce sleep medication as their natural sleep improves. We'll never ask you to stop medication without your doctor's guidance; instead, acupuncture supports your body's own sleep mechanisms, potentially making medication less necessary over time.
Ready to Sleep Better Again?
Book Your Sleep Appointment Today
New to acupuncture? We offer flexible rescheduling if your circumstances change, and there's never any pressure to commit to a long programme during your initial appointment.
Call us at 01 5240874 to schedule your appointment.
Why Trust Us?
With years of experience in weight management acupuncture, we are committed to delivering personalised care tailored to your specific needs.
Expertise
Our clinic offers a calm and relaxing atmosphere where you can discuss your needs openly.
Professional Environment
Insurance Accepted
Treatments are recognised by major health insurers, making it easier for you to get the support you need.
Get started with AcuFusion, today
Have questions? We’re here to help! Reach out via phone or email, or visit our clinic for a friendly chat.