The time change, dark evenings and holiday stress can wreck your sleep. What acupuncture for sleep can and can't do, from Dr. Meylor in Lenexa.
Written by Dr. Jade Meylor, D.C., FSBT | Meylor Chiropractic & Acupuncture, Lenexa, KS
TL;DR
- Clocks fell back on Sunday, November 1. Darker evenings, an earlier sunset and holiday stress can throw off your sleep for weeks.
- Stress and sleep feed each other. Tension in your neck, shoulders and back can keep you tossing and turning, and poor sleep makes stress harder to handle.
- Better sleep is one of the benefits patients report, and some fall asleep during their session. Research on acupuncture for insomnia is still limited, so we keep expectations realistic.
- Acupuncture is one tool. Good sleep habits matter, and ongoing insomnia or loud snoring should be checked by your doctor.
- We have evening appointments from 3:00 to 6:00 PM, Monday through Thursday, and a free consultation if you want to talk it through first.
If you've been lying awake at 2 AM since the clocks changed, or waking up tired even after a full night in bed, you're not the only one in Lenexa feeling it. November is a tough month for sleep. The sun sets earlier, routines shift, and the holiday calendar fills up fast.
This guide covers why sleep slips this time of year, what acupuncture for sleep can realistically do, and what a visit looks like at our office.
Why Is My Sleep Worse in November?
Sleep often gets worse in November because several things change at once: the time change shifts your body clock, darker evenings change your routine, and holiday stress adds more on your mind at bedtime.
The time change
Clocks fell back one hour on Sunday, November 1. Even an hour can leave some people waking too early, feeling sleepy in the late afternoon or struggling to settle at night for a week or two.
Shorter, darker days
With sunset coming earlier, many people spend more evenings inside on screens. As our post on stress, sleep and spinal health points out, blue light from phones and TVs can disrupt your body's natural sleep rhythm.
Holiday stress
Travel plans, hosting, shopping, money and family dynamics all show up at bedtime. When your nervous system is stuck on alert, it's hard to relax enough for deep, restful sleep.
Physical tension
Stress tends to settle in the neck, shoulders and back. Many people with ongoing stress also notice jaw clenching, nighttime muscle tension or restlessness, or wake up with neck or back pain. Pain is one of the most common sleep disruptors.
Can Acupuncture Help You Sleep?
Acupuncture may help some people sleep better, especially when stress and physical tension are part of the problem. On our acupuncture page, better sleep quality is one of the benefits our patients report, and many describe their sessions as soothing and relaxing. Some even fall asleep on the table.
It's also important to be honest about the research. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, a 2021 review of 11 studies suggested acupuncture may help improve insomnia, but the studies were small and judged to be low quality. A 2019 guideline from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense found there wasn't enough evidence to recommend for or against acupuncture for insomnia.
So here is how we think about it: acupuncture is a gentle, low-risk option that many people find relaxing, and it can be a helpful part of a plan to manage stress and tension. It's not a guaranteed fix for insomnia, and it works best alongside good sleep habits.
What Acupuncture Can and Can't Do for Sleep
Acupuncture can help many people relax and ease the tension that keeps them awake. It can't replace medical care for sleep disorders or undo a schedule that leaves no room for rest.
What it can help with
- Relaxing tight muscles in the neck, shoulders and back
- Calming your body after a stressful stretch
- May help ease pain that wakes you up at night
- Giving you a quiet hour to rest, which many people rarely get this time of year
What it can't do
- Diagnose or treat sleep apnea
- Replace care for depression, anxiety or other conditions your doctor is treating
- Cancel out caffeine late in the day, screens in bed or a schedule with too little time for sleep
What Happens During an Acupuncture Session?
Your first acupuncture visit starts with a detailed health history and a thorough exam, so we can find the areas of concern and build a plan around you. Then the treatment itself begins.
The needles
The needles used in acupuncture are very different from the needles you see at a hospital. They're fine, sterile and single-use. Many patients feel little to no sensation when they're placed.
Resting
Once the needles are in, you'll usually rest for 30 to 45 minutes. Depending on your needs, we may also use massage, moist heat or cold packs. Overall, plan for about an hour.
Afterward
Some patients notice relief right away, and others notice changes over the next couple of days. Side effects are rare, but some people report mild nausea, bruising, muscle soreness or even difficulty sleeping after their first session. If that happens, just let us know before your next appointment.
Can Acupuncture and Chiropractic Care Work Together?
Yes. Acupuncture and chiropractic care can be combined. Acupuncture helps relax muscles, which can make adjustments more comfortable. Our post on how chiropractic and acupuncture work together explains how we combine the two. If you're new to acupuncture, our guide to acupuncture explained covers how it works.
What Sleep Habits Help During the Holidays?
A few simple habits make a real difference, with or without acupuncture:
- Keep a consistent schedule. Go to bed and wake up at about the same time each day, even on weekends.
- Get outside in daylight when you can, especially in the morning.
- Dim the screens for the last hour before bed.
- Stretch gently before bed to ease neck and shoulder tension.
- Watch late caffeine and big late meals, which are easy to overdo in a holiday month.
- Write down tomorrow's to-do list before bed so it isn't running through your head.
When Should I See a Doctor About My Sleep?
See your primary care doctor if poor sleep lasts more than a few weeks, you're falling asleep during the day, or someone tells you that you snore loudly, gasp or stop breathing in your sleep. Those can be signs of a sleep disorder like sleep apnea that needs medical care. If you're feeling hopeless or having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988 right away.
Who Is Dr. Jade Meylor?
Dr. Jade Meylor, a Sioux City, Iowa native, earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. He continues to expand his expertise through postgraduate programs, including acupuncture and sports injury seminars, and he is licensed in both Kansas and Missouri. You can meet him and the rest of our team on our team page.
Do You Take Insurance, and What Does It Cost?
Yes, we accept insurance. Call us to confirm your plan. Acupuncture coverage varies a lot from plan to plan, so our guide to whether insurance covers acupuncture walks through what to ask. You can also ask about insurance or pricing during your free consultation.
Our free consultation is a one-on-one conversation with Dr. Jade Meylor. It includes a review of your health history and concerns, an overview of chiropractic and acupuncture options, and answers to your questions. It does not include exams, X-rays or treatment. If further evaluation is needed, we'll tell you the costs and options before we go ahead.
Visit Meylor Chiropractic & Acupuncture
Meylor Chiropractic & Acupuncture
12980 W 87th St Pkwy, Lenexa, KS 66215
(913) 227-0909
Hours
Monday through Thursday: 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday through Sunday: Closed
We keep an afternoon-into-evening block from 3:00 to 6:00 PM, Monday through Thursday, so you can come in after work. Learn more about our evening appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does acupuncture hurt?
Most patients describe acupuncture as soothing and relaxing, with little to no sensation during treatment. The needles are much finer than the ones used in hospitals, and some people fall asleep during their sessions.
Is acupuncture safe?
When it's performed by a trained professional, acupuncture has a low risk of side effects. We use sterile, single-use needles and follow strict safety protocols.
How many acupuncture sessions will I need?
It depends on your concerns and goals. Some people notice a difference after one session, while longer-standing problems may take a series of visits. We'll build a plan with you and adjust it based on how you respond.
Can acupuncture be combined with chiropractic care?
Yes. Acupuncture helps relax muscles, which can make chiropractic adjustments more comfortable, and many of our patients use both.
Do you offer evening appointments?
Yes. We keep an afternoon-into-evening block from 3:00 to 6:00 PM, Monday through Thursday, so you can come in after work or school without taking the day off.
Do you accept health insurance?
Yes, we accept insurance. Call our office to confirm your plan and benefits before your visit.