Acupuncture for Mood and Sleep in Perimenopause

Mood swings, anxiety, irritability, and insomnia are some of the most frustrating symptoms of perimenopause. While hormonal changes play a big role, the ripple effects of poor sleep and heightened stress often make these challenges worse. Acupuncture, combined with individualized herbal medicine and targeted supplements, can help restore balance—bringing emotional steadiness during the day and more restful sleep at night.

The Connection Between Hormones, Mood, and Sleep
During perimenopause, fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels can affect neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA—chemicals that regulate mood and sleep. This can lead to:

• Irritability and mood swings

• Increased anxiety or stress sensitivity

• Difficulty falling or staying asleep

• Waking in the middle of the night (often with night sweats)

• Morning fatigue or brain fog

From a Chinese medicine perspective, these symptoms often reflect Heart Yin deficiency, Liver Qi stagnation, or Kidney Yin depletion. When Yin (the cooling, nourishing energy) is low, the Shen (mind/spirit) becomes restless, making it difficult to calm down and drift into sleep.

How Acupuncture Can Help
Acupuncture regulates the nervous system, balances Yin and Yang, and calms the Shen. In practical terms, this means:

• Promoting deeper, more restful sleep

• Reducing nighttime waking and anxiety

• Calming the mind and stabilizing emotions

• Supporting long-term balance, not just temporary relief

Many patients notice that after a few sessions, they feel calmer during the day and more refreshed upon waking.

Herbs and Supplements for Mood and Sleep Support
Alongside acupuncture and herbal medicine, certain practitioner-grade supplements can provide additional support for mood and sleep during perimenopause. These are available through my Fullscript dispensary and are chosen for their safety, quality, and clinical effectiveness.

Here are a few that I often recommend:

• Cortisol Manager® by Integrative Therapeutics
  A blend of ashwagandha, L-theanine, magnolia, and phosphatidylserine that helps lower evening cortisol, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.

• Magnesium Glycinate by Pure Encapsulations
  A gentle, highly absorbable form of magnesium that relaxes muscles, calms the nervous system, and promotes restful sleep without grogginess.

• Gaia Herbs Sleep Gummies
  A soothing combination of passionflower, chamomile, and lemon balm—herbs traditionally used to quiet the mind and support relaxation.

• Adrenal Response® by Innate Response
  Contains adaptogens like rhodiola and holy basil to reduce stress, balance energy, and improve emotional resilience throughout the day.

Each of these can be tailored to your needs and combined with acupuncture and custom herbal formulas for the best results.

You can find these supplements and more through my Fullscript dispensary, where they’re shipped directly to your door.

Lifestyle Tips for Better Sleep and Calm Moods
Beyond treatment, small adjustments can make a big difference:

• Create a bedtime ritual: dim lights, avoid screens, and drink calming tea before bed.

• Practice relaxation techniques: deep breathing, meditation, or journaling to quiet the mind.

• Support circadian rhythm: expose yourself to morning light and keep a consistent sleep schedule.

• Move gently during the day: yoga, stretching, or walking can release tension and calm the nervous system.

Patient Story
A 52-year-old patient came to me struggling with irritability, nightly waking at 2 a.m., and daytime fatigue. We started acupuncture twice a week, and I prescribed a custom herbal formula to nourish her Heart Yin. I also recommended magnesium glycinate and Cortisol Manager®. Within four weeks, she reported falling asleep more easily, waking only once per night, and feeling calmer during the day. Over time, her sleep normalized, and her mood improved significantly.

Mood changes and sleep disturbances during perimenopause are common, but they don’t have to rule your life. Acupuncture, combined with individualized herbal medicine and carefully chosen supplements, offers a holistic and effective path toward greater calm, balance, and restorative rest.

If you’re experiencing mood changes or poor sleep during perimenopause, book your session here or call us at 773-517-7187. I’ll create a personalized treatment plan that may include acupuncture, herbs, and supportive supplements from my Fullscript dispensary.