Anxiety, Depression, And Insomnia

What causes anxiety-and depression-related insomnia?

Insomnia often isn’t just “bad sleep” – it’s closely tied to what’s happening in your mind and body during the day. Anxiety and depression are two of the most common underlying causes of chronic insomnia. They can contribute to:

• Racing thoughts and worry. Constant mental chatter, rumination, and “what if” thinking can make it difficult to relax enough to fall asleep or return to sleep if you wake up at night.
• Low mood and loss of energy. Depression may lead to changes in your sleep-wake rhythm, such as waking up very early, difficulty staying asleep, or feeling unrefreshed even after a full night in bed.
• Physical symptoms of stress. Muscle tension, tight shoulders, headaches, and digestive discomfort often accompany anxiety and depression and can keep your body in a state of vigilance instead of rest.
• Lifestyle and medication factors. Irregular schedules, late-night screen time, caffeine or alcohol, and certain medications can worsen both mood symptoms and insomnia.

Over time, lack of quality sleep can worsen anxiety and depression, creating a cycle that’s difficult to break without targeted support.

How does acupuncture help with anxiety, depression, and insomnia?

Acupuncture works by supporting the body’s natural ability to rebalance and heal itself. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, anxiety, depression, and insomnia are seen as patterns of imbalance in the body’s energy (Qi) and organ systems.

By gently stimulating specific acupuncture points related to the nervous system, mood regulation, and sleep, Dr. Lee helps:

• Calm the body’s stress response
• Ease anxious sensations and feelings of restlessness
• Support a more stable mood and emotional resilience
• Restore a healthier, more natural sleep-wake cycle

In addition to acupuncture, Dr. Lee may recommend customized Chinese herbal formulas and simple lifestyle strategies to support your mental health and sleep at home. This integrative approach allows him to address both the emotional and physical aspects of anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

What are the long-term benefits of acupuncture for mood and sleep?

When used regularly, acupuncture can offer a wide range of benefits for patients living with anxiety, depression, and insomnia, including:

• More consistent, restorative sleep with fewer nighttime awakenings
• Reduced anxiety symptoms, such as racing thoughts, tension, and irritability
• Improved mood and energy, with less feeling “on edge” or emotionally drained
• Relief from physical stress symptoms, including muscle tightness and headaches
• Better stress management and an overall sense of balance and well-being

Acupuncture is a holistic therapy, meaning it considers your mental, physical, and emotional health as a whole. With extensive clinical experience treating mood concerns and sleep issues, Dr. Lee tailors each treatment plan to your unique needs and goals.

Many patients begin to notice changes in their sleep and anxiety levels within a few sessions, while others choose ongoing care as part of their long-term mental health and wellness routine.

Schedule an appointment with DH Acupuncture by phone or online to learn how acupuncture can support your anxiety, depression, and insomnia.