Science and Acupuncture

Although most modern scientists dispute the Chinese theory of body energy, there is widespread agreement that it is a good metaphor with which to describe natural processes. Contrary to what you might expect, conventional medicine and acupuncture are not at odds. Some GPs are happy to recommend acupuncture therapists and in a few places acupuncture is available on the NHS for people with severe problems that don't respond to other treatment.

Scientific research suggests that acupuncture is most helpful to people with anxiety-related sleep disorders. These are the type of disorders in which you may find yourself worrying too much to get to sleep easily, or in which you may frequently wake up feeling stressed.
Acupuncture appears to increase night-time production of melatonin, which helps to ensure a proper night's sleep. It may also have a calming effect on the central nervous system, as it can be used effectively to treat pain.
There is no evidence to suggest that the success of acupuncture depends on your belief in the theories it is based on, so it may be worth your while seeing what it can do for you even if you are sceptical. Remember that needles represent an infection risk so you should always use an accredited clinic with a good reputation.

What You Can Expect

Most patients report that receiving acupuncture immediately makes them feel very relaxed. This can be a great relief if you haven't had a good night's sleep for a while, as your body will tend to be full of tension even when resting. Consequently, people often sleep very well the night after treatment, but this doesn't mean the problem is solved.Because insomnia is usually a chronic problem, several treatments are likely to be needed in order to enable the body to readjust properly. These should be received two to three times a week over the course of one to two months. If treatments are missed, the whole process may have to start again from scratch.
This means that it is important to make sure you have the funding for a full course of treatment before you begin acupuncture. Most clinics offer reduced prices for repeat visits so you can discuss you options with them when you first attend.
Patients seeking acupuncture for insomnia report a high success rate. Your first experience should help you to make an assessment of whether or not it is likely to be successful in your case.
Reference:   http://www.insomniacs.co.uk/acupuncture-for-insomnia.html