Sleep plays an essential role in physical recovery, emotional wellbeing and overall health. But when you struggle to fall asleep, wake frequently during the night or find yourself lying awake for hours, getting the rest you need can feel frustratingly out of reach.
Insomnia and ongoing sleep problems can leave you feeling exhausted, irritable and less able to cope with everyday life. Whether your sleep is affected by stress, a restless mind or difficulty staying asleep, our approach begins by understanding your individual experience and what may be contributing to it.
At our London acupuncture clinics, we offer personalised acupuncture in a calm, welcoming environment. Treatment can be explored to support sleep and relaxation, alongside appropriate medical advice and practical sleep habits.
Many of our patients tell us they sleep more easily once treatment is underway. Not sure where to start? Take our free 2-minute health assessment for personalised recommendations.
When you’re ready, book your first appointment online. This includes a full consultation and treatment, looking at your symptoms, lifestyle and health history.
At The Get Well Clinics we offer affordable acupuncture at £42 a session.
★★★★★
“After acupuncture I fall asleep faster and wake up refreshed, no more exhausting nights.”
★★★★★
“Amazing and professional. John and George where instrumental in my recovery. No hesitation to come back or recomend.” AS
★★★★★
“John and Marion are knowledgeable, kind, and genuinely listen. I love how welcoming the clinic is, and I always felt in very good hands”. Elisa
★★★★★
“Despite the heavily discounted cost, the level of care, attention, and quality of treatment is exceptional.” Fiona
Individual patient experiences. Results vary.
What Causes Insomnia and Disturbed Sleep?
Insomnia often starts with something identifiable, a stressful period, illness, a new baby, and then outlasts the thing that triggered it. By the time people come to us, the original cause has usually passed and the pattern has taken over.
What Usually Causes It
- Stress, anxiety and an overactive mind at night
- Irregular hours, shift work or jet lag
- Caffeine, alcohol and screens close to bedtime
- Pain, or needing the bathroom in the night
- Hormonal change, including perimenopause and pregnancy
- Worrying about sleep itself, which keeps the cycle going
Different Patterns of Poor Sleep
Which pattern you have matters to us, because trouble falling asleep, waking at three, and unrefreshing sleep point in different directions and are treated differently.
- Lying awake for hours unable to drop off
- Falling asleep easily, then waking at three and staying awake
- Broken, restless sleep all night
- Vivid dreams or nightmares that leave you unrested
- Night sweats
- Waking early and unable to get back to sleep
- Sleeping enough hours but never feeling refreshed
What You May be Feeling / Experiencing
- Exhausted all day, then wired the moment you try to sleep
- Dreading bedtime, and counting the hours left before the alarm
- Getting through the day on caffeine
- Running out of patience with everyone by the evening
- Brain fog, poor concentration and low mood
Please see your GP if poor sleep has lasted more than a few months, if you are struggling to function day to day, or if you snore heavily and feel exhausted despite a full night in bed, which can point to sleep apnoea.
Acupuncture works alongside medical care, not instead of it.
Source: NHS, ‘Insomnia’ and Sleep and Tiredness guidance.
How Acupuncture Supports Sleep
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, insomnia is read as an imbalance in the body, particularly involving the heart, liver, spleen and kidneys, and a disruption of Qi and Blood.
Common patterns include Heart-Shen disturbance, liver qi stagnation, or a deficiency of blood, yin or kidney energy. Treatment aims to restore that balance and calm the Shen, the mind and spirit, through acupuncture alongside dietary and lifestyle changes. Our approach combines acupuncture with the habits and stress tools that support it.
A 2024 review supported results we see in clinic. It found acupuncture improved sleep quality, shortened the time it takes to fall asleep and reduced night wakings, though the certainty of evidence varies (Zhao FY, et al. Sleep Medicine Reviews. 2024;74:101892).
As to why acupuncture works for sleep, researchers point to several mechanisms:
- Calming the nervous system: stress keeps the nervous system in alert mode when you are trying to switch off. Acupuncture is aimed at the parasympathetic “rest and restore” side of that system. A meta-analysis of 9 randomised trials found acupuncture affected heart-rate variability and parasympathetic activity (Hamvas et al., 2023).
- Working out what kind of insomnia it is: trouble falling asleep, restless or broken sleep, and nightmares each point somewhere different. Alongside pulse and tongue diagnosis, and a look at your diet and daily routine, that tells us where the imbalance sits and shapes your treatment.
- Working with your body clock: morning daylight and time in green space help regulate circadian rhythm and melatonin production, so we look at daylight exposure, routine and daily rhythm. If you take supplements such as melatonin or valerian, tell us and we will build your plan around them.
Individual results vary. These findings are not a guarantee of outcome for every patient.
Additional Support We Offer You
Lasting change often comes from small shifts alongside treatment. We also offer support through:
- Diet & lifestyle coaching: a regular sleep schedule, limiting caffeine and screen time, and a calming evening routine are the habits most consistently linked to better sleep. We help you put them in place (NHS, Sleep and Tiredness guidance).
- Natural supplements: melatonin, valerian root and CBD oil are among the supplements studied for sleep, with some promising findings.
- Calming a busy mind: a meta-analysis found mindfulness-based techniques such as deep breathing and meditation improved sleep in adults with chronic insomnia (Rusch HL, et al. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 2019;1445(1):5-16).
- Stress relief techniques: guided meditation and breathing exercises to calm your mind and improve your ability to fall, and stay, asleep.
Flavio Cabral
3 months ago
The service I received was unhurried, kind, personal, as well very educative from both treatments I had on full body and head only (ear). I strongly recommend it.
Mdm Pleguebyrne
3 months ago
I first came to the Gate Well Clinic last year, and it was a fantastic experience. I'm now back again to help get myself back on the healthy path I was on before.
I feel that we live in a very different world compared to a couple of generations ago. Life moves at such fast pace, and much of our food has been depleted of its nutrients or replaced with ultra-processed alternatives, making it increasingly difficult to maintain good health.
Coming back to the clinic is helping me regain control of my health. The acupuncture treatment with George, together with the guidance and natural supplements he recommends, have given me the support I need to feel better, more balanced, and more in tune with my body.
I'm truly grateful for the care, knowledge, and support that George and the whole team provide. I would highly recommend the Gate Well Clinic to anyone looking to take a more natural approach to improving their overall health and well-being.
Tom Tom C
5 months ago
I have been seen by the fantastic Luke Warburton for a year for acupuncture & bodywork. He combines both skills in treatment at the get well clinics in Paddington. His knowledge really helps me maintain my health conditions like Fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis and anxiety. The get well clinics is my go to comfort zone for well being. Tom
Vincent Crooks
5 months ago
It's so good to have a place like the getwell clinic which for me is acceptable,affordable, clean and pleasant, with experience and professional practioners ,with the knowledge to read and diagnose ailments,
Vincent Crooks.
Emma Williamson
6 months ago
Marion is an excellent acupuncture therapist - I have really benefited from her treatment and highly recommend her.
Daria
9 months ago
Very good services at affordable prices. Acupuncture treatments have been helping me to balance my energy - either to bring it up or down depending on how I was feeling. Sheree is very helpful.
Fiona Blakeman
9 months ago
I couldn’t recommend this highly enough and I’m very grateful that this service is available in my local community. I’ve had a lot of experience receiving acupuncture, and despite the heavily discounted cost, the level of care, attention, and quality of treatment is exceptional.
The initial consultation is carried out privately, with treatments taking place alongside other patients. The setting is calm and peaceful, and I felt very safe and supported by both the practitioner and the environment overall.
Lucy Brook
11 months ago
This was a first time trying acupuncture, in a welcoming and tranquil space that's affordable to have professional treatment in a community clinic. I have several issues with my spine and I came initially with my sciatica pain at a 10 so severe for months struggling to walk and cope with daily functioning using mobility aids. I felt a major difference in pain relief after the first treatment and by the third session it has drastically reduced to a 2 and sometimes no pain on good days.
George is excellent and I feel so thankful, his knowledge and recommendations has been helpful and I've slowly been implementing. I come away from the sessions feeling relaxed and able to sleep better. I look forward to continuing my journey of pain relief, health and wellbeing, plus getting some normality slowly back in my daily life and functioning.
Elisa R
11 months ago
I went for several sessions this year to help with an extra heartbeat caused by stress. I also changed my lifestyle slightly, but acupuncture definitely made a difference. It takes time and trusting the process, and since I’m not used to slowing down, having this dedicated ‘me time’ was exactly what I needed.
John and Marion are knowledgeable, kind, and genuinely take the time to listen. I love how welcoming the community clinic is, and I always felt in very good hands.
Thank you to both of them, I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for support with stress or overall well-being.
Lucia Krupova
6 months ago
If you are preparing for IVF or struggling with back pain, you need to book an appointment with John.
I was a little bit worried about sharing room with other people but the place is incredibly peaceful which is exactly what you need when dealing with the stress of fertility treatments.
I came in for fertility support and a bad back, and I am amazed at how quickly it worked.
It only took a few sessions for my back pain to disappear entirely, and my periods are now perfectly on schedule. It has given me so much peace of mind and physical comfort heading into my IVF cycle.
Camilla Cooper
8 months ago
Get Well Community Acupuncture clinic is absolutely incredible. I’ve had really healing and helpful treatments with both Phil and Luke who are both exceptional & extremely caring practitioners. I can’t recommend this clinic enough for all your Community Acupuncture needs.
Maria del Mar Arranz Martin
11 months ago
Excellent service and professionals
John Watson
12 months ago
Very sympathetic and thoughtful treatment from Marion. I like the no-nonsense (and affordable) approach of having a communal treatment room. You still get plenty of attention and then lie and relax with the needles in whilst other people are attended to.
Vicki Zhang
1 year ago
Marion is super attentive and skilful - would highly recommend her to anyone considering acupuncture.
Sehr schön
2 years ago
I landed at Paddington location in Marion Rolling’s magical hands at the end of Jan 25.
I had high anxiety, heart palpitations and frequent migraines. I was always on high alert expecting a catastrophe at every corner and on the verge of tears at all time.
After a few Acupuncture sessions with Marion, my anxiety is manageable , I have more energy and I go for days without my previous symptoms. Also have not had a migraine since then.
I’m looking forward to seeing Marion a few more times this spring to help me with my hayfever.
Can’t recommend them enough. Thank you 🙏
Isabel Pitcaithly
2 years ago
Recently I attended The Get Well Clinic in Paddington where I had 3 accupuncture sessions a week apart with the very knowledgeable Marion Rollings. I did my homework before choosing Marion who has trained extensively including 7 years in China. I was impressed with how she managed to remember all I had told her in pre treatment forms and lying there relaxing with the needles in place ( completely painless) I could tell she remembered all about her other patients. I felt very relaxed and well cared for.
I had a problem with my ankle/foot which was very debilitating and this has greatly improved. I am so pleased as I was afraid to go out in case I suddenly couldn't walk any more. I no longer have this problem.
I was also concerned about headaches which seemed to take over my life. I can honestly say since the first treatment up to now several weeks down the line I have only had one headache which for me is amazing !!
To anyone considering a treatment with Marion go ahead. You will not be disappointed !!!
I plan on further treatments for my back when I have finished work in the garden. Isabel 76
Common Questions Answered
We start with a holistic diagnosis, identifying your stress levels, sleep disruptors, and lifestyle factors keeping you awake, then a personalised treatment plan.
Yes. Acupuncture is intended to be used alongside conventional treatment, and many patients have it while taking prescribed medication or having talking therapy. Never stop or change your medication without speaking to your GP first, and do tell us what you are taking so we can plan around it.
We review your progress at every visit and adjust your treatment as your sleep changes, so your plan keeps pace with you.
Acupuncture works by building change slowly over time, small shifts that add up, rather than one big fix. Everyone is different, but most patients start to notice a difference after several regular sessions rather than a single visit.
Why Choose Our Low Cost Acupuncture Clinics in London?
Expert
Our highly qualified acupuncturists, without the private clinic price tag.
Whole-body approach
We use traditional acupuncture diagnostic principles to look at your symptoms in the context of your whole health, not just the area that hurts
Convenient locations
Our clinics in Camberwell and Paddington are close to bus, train, and Tube lines, so getting here is simple.
Acupuncture Articles
You don’t need to understand how acupuncture works for it to work. But if you’re curious about the science, we’ve linked some articles below, with more on Traditional Chinese Medicine in our Articles section.
Acupuncture can be difficult to study. Researchers use sham acupuncture as a control, with needles placed away from recognised acupuncture points, but these “fake” points can still have an effect. Many studies are also small because research funding is limited. This means some conditions have not yet been studied at the scale needed for firm conclusions. That is not the same as acupuncture being tested and failing. Where high-quality, large-scale research has been carried out, the evidence is much stronger.
Does acupuncture work for insomnia?
Zhao FY, Spencer SJ, Kennedy GA, et al. Acupuncture for primary insomnia: effectiveness, safety, mechanisms and recommendations for clinical practice. Sleep Medicine Reviews. 2024;74:101892.
Acupuncture and Short Sleep Duration
Wang C, Yang WJ, Yu XT, et al. Acupuncture for insomnia with short sleep duration: protocol for a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open. 2020;10(3):e033731.
Acupuncture for Sleep: A Plain-English Guide
Bryan L. Acupuncture for insomnia: everything you need to know. Sleep Foundation, updated July 2025. See also de Bellefonds C. Acupuncture for sleep. Healthline, medically reviewed May 2021.