Better sleep with acupuncture? Research shows hormonal effects

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Everyone sleeps poorly at times, but chronic insomnia goes beyond a restless night. Many people with long-term sleep problems also struggle with anxiety or sadness.

In a carefully conducted clinical study, published in Annals of Translational Medicine, 60 adults with chronic insomnia and elevated scores on anxiety and depression scales were examined.

This type of research not only helps to better understand how people feel, but also shows what actually changes in the body, such as in hormone levels.

What was investigated?
Half of the group received real acupuncture, while the other half received a placebo treatment with superficial needles on non-acupuncture points.

After a series of 12 treatments, the researchers observed in the real acupuncture group:
- A decrease in the stress hormone cortisol
Cortisol plays a crucial role in the body's stress system. In people with chronic insomnia, this hormone is often elevated. In the acupuncture group, the cortisol level decreased measurably.

- An increase in serotonin
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that influences mood and sleep regulation, among other things. The increase in serotonin suggests that acupuncture may also affect the nervous system.

- Improvement in sleep, anxiety, and mood
Participants reported less rumination, improved sleep quality, and reduced feelings of anxiety and depression. These effects were largely maintained three months after treatment.

How was the research conducted?
The acupuncture group received a treatment protocol with four well-known points, often used for sleep problems and stress-related complaints:

Baihui (GV20) – on the crown, traditionally used for peace of mind
Yintang (extra point) – between the eyebrows, promotes relaxation
Shenmen (HT7) – at the wrist, commonly used for restlessness and insomnia
Sanyinjiao (SP6) – on the leg, traditionally used for sleep problems and hormonal balance

The needles were inserted without electrical stimulation and manually manipulated to induce the deqi sensation, a typical feeling such as dull, heavy, warm, or tingling, which in Chinese medicine is considered a sign that the treatment is effective.

What does this mean for acupuncture in insomnia?
Although this concerns one study, the results are promising. The outcomes suggest that acupuncture can have a positive effect on people with insomnia in combination with anxiety and mood disorders, both subjectively (how people feel) and objectively (hormonal values in the blood).

Why this is important
This type of research helps to better understand and scientifically support the effects of acupuncture. This contributes to its recognition, also outside the alternative circuit.

Experience it yourself
Do you suffer from insomnia and as a result experience stress or anxiety symptoms? Or do you want to learn to relax in a natural way?
Find a NVA-acupuncturist near you through our search function.

Source
Liu C, Zhao Y, Qin S, Wang X, Jiang Y, Wu W. Randomized controlled trial of acupuncture for anxiety and depression in patients with chronic insomnia.
Ann Transl Med. 2021 Sep;9(18):1426. PMID: 34733978