If you’re exhausted but can’t sleep, you’re not alone. About 30% of adults report insomnia symptoms, and for many people it isn’t a lack of willpower — it’s the body stuck in a stress state that won’t fully shut off at night.
At Complete Oriental Medical Care in Edina (Minneapolis–St. Paul), we approach insomnia the way it often behaves clinically: as a nervous system regulation problem that can show up alongside anxiety, digestive strain, chronic pain, or major life stress.
This situation can get worse as we age. If you suffer from depression, you might be more likely to have problems sleeping. Consider there are over eight million doctors’ visits per year for insomnia.
How acupuncture can help insomnia (we’re actually treating)
Insomnia often follows a familiar pattern: the mind won’t settle, the body stays alert, and sleep becomes lighter and more fragmented. Acupuncture is used to support sleep by helping shift your body out of “on-guard” mode and back toward the restorative rhythms needed for deeper sleep. In clinical research, a systematic review of randomized trials reported acupuncture showing higher “effective rates” than benzodiazepines.
Both Acupuncture and Chinese herbal formulas can greatly improve sleeping patterns. Insomnia may have a variety of causes such as stress, depression, medications, irregular work schedules, major life changes, chronic pain or arthritis. Plus, acupuncture does not have any of the risks that drugs have, such as toxic accumulations in your body, addiction or withdrawal.
What treatment looks like at Complete Oriental Medical Care (Edina)
Your first visit will include health history, your sleeping pattern, nervous-system goals, Chinese tongue diagnosis, pulse diagnosis and initial treatment. At our Edina Acupuncture clinic we use a special system of acupuncture that has a calming effect on your body by enhancing your parasympathic nervous system. The benefits of these treatments include deeper breathing, more regular heartbeat, improved digestion, relaxation of smooth muscles, better sleeping patterns, decrease in various pains and a general sense of well being (all excellent treatments for insomnia).
A typical treatment plan for persistent insomnia is 6–12 visits close together (often 2x/week at first), followed by a short observation phase to confirm stability and adjust the plan as your sleep consolidates. If you’ve never had acupuncture before you may visit our FAQ page to answer any questions you may have.
When sleep improves, patients often describe more than rest — they feel less reactive, less tense, and more resilient during the day because their system is no longer running on depletion.
Who this is a great fit for?
These acupuncture insomnia treatments are a great fit for frustrated professionals, overwhelmed caregivers, health-conscious skeptics, and stay at home moms.
Discover Holistic Therapies For Insomnia
“I’m so glad I found Steven Sonmore and took his advice for treatment. After six short weeks, I’m feeling great because the sessions have significantly improved an area that I’d only half paid attention to: my sleep. I’m sleeping longer and better than ever, and that has had an overwhelmingly positive impact on my overall well-being. Thanks, Steven!”–Megan, patient at Complete Oriental Medical Care
Ready to sleep better?
If you suffer from insomnia and live in Twin Cities / Minneapolis / St Paul area call our Edina clinic today at 952-831-8080 to set up your appointment for better sleep. Or go to our contact page.
Originally published Jan 9, 2018. Updated for clarity and current standards on Jan 26, 2026.
