Insomnia and the Nervous System: A Chinese Medicine Perspective
We’ve all had the occasional sleepless night but for some, insomnia becomes a persistent challenge. Difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking, restless dreams, or waking too early can deeply affect energy, mood, focus, and wellbeing.
While many factors can disrupt sleep, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic view that sees insomnia not simply as a sleep disorder, but as a sign that the body and mind are out of sync.
The Role of the nervous system and our mind
In Chinese medicine, restful sleep depends on a calm and settled mind. When our mind is unsettled, we may stay active long into the night, leading to difficulty falling or staying asleep.
From a Western perspective, chronic sleep issues often involve heightened activity in the nervous system. Acupuncture and other aspects of Chinese medicine aim to regulate this by helping the body shift out of a “fight or flight” state and into “rest and digest” mode.
Rather than using fixed labels, your practitioner will explore your sleep patterns alongside factors like stress levels, daily habits, digestion, and energy. This helps build a fuller picture of what might be contributing to disrupted sleep.
Acupuncture for Sleep Support
Acupuncture may help calm the nervous system, ease tension, and support your body in settling into a more restful state. Points are chosen to suit your individual needs whether you’re feeling overstimulated, anxious, or simply unable to wind down.
Research suggests acupuncture may [1] influence melatonin levels, promote relaxation, and improve sleep quality.
A recent study shared by the British Medical Acupuncture Society looked at the use of electroacupuncture (EA) for people with depression-related insomnia. The findings suggested that EA could improve both mood and sleep by acting on the nervous system and supporting emotional regulation [2].
Additionally, a 2023 systematic review published in Frontiers in Neurology found that acupuncture significantly improved sleep quality and reduced insomnia severity in people with depression, with fewer side effects than standard medication [3].
Lifestyle Tips from a TCM Viewpoint
Create a steady evening routine, aiming to be in bed by 10–11pm
Limit screen time and stimulation after dusk
Include nourishing, grounding foods such as leafy greens, beetroot, black sesame, dates, or bone broth
Try gentle pre-bedtime practices — like journalling, yin yoga, or a warm herbal foot soak
Final Thoughts
Insomnia can feel isolating and exhausting but it often responds well to gentle, whole-person care. Chinese medicine looks at your sleep in the wider context of your health, aiming to calm the nervous system and restore balance.
If you're struggling with sleep, know that support is available and that small shifts can lead to meaningful change.
This blog is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. Always speak with your GP or a healthcare provider about what is right for you.
[1] Cao H, Pan X, Li H, Liu J. Acupuncture for treatment of insomnia: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. J Altern Complement Med. 2009;15(11):1171-1186. doi:10.1089/acm.2009.0041
[2] BMAS Blog. Electroacupuncture for depression-related insomnia. 2022. Available at: https://bmas.blog/2022/07/19/ea-for-depression-related-insomnia/
[3] Zhu J, Yu J, Lu Y, et al. Acupuncture for comorbid depression and insomnia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Neurol. 2023;14:10560090.
