Acupressure Points for Sleep Disorder & Insomnia – Best Pressure Points

Acupressure Points for Sleep Disorder & Insomnia – Best Pressure Points

Most of us have had trouble sleeping at some point. It’s more common in adults. For some people it’s short-term, caused by tension or stress, and it does get better with time.

But with a chronic sleep disorder, it interferes with your daily health and life because it affects the quality of your sleep. Lack of sleep hits your energy levels and your overall health, and it can leave you emotionally unstable.

These disorders range from nightmares and dyssomnia to sleep apnea and a rhythm sleep disorder known as circadian rhythm. Lots of people struggle to fall asleep and stay asleep because of them. And nobody wants to rely on sleeping pills all the time just to get some rest.

Acupressure is a healthier alternative for improving sleep. It leaves you feeling de-stressed, relieved of pain, and free of anxiety. The points for sleep ailments help distribute your energy evenly throughout the body, so you can relax.

Acupressure Points for Sleep Disorder & Insomnia Infographic:

Different Types of Sleep Disorders

Various types of sleep disorders can make it hard to fall asleep, or to stay asleep through the night. Some of the common ones:

• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep is categorized as Insomnia
• Breathing is interrupted during sleep because the brain does not function properly, leading to Central Sleep Apnea.
• A total blockage of the upper airway during sleep, a condition known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
• Other people suffer from Parasomnia, a disruptive sleep ailment caused by nightmares and sleepwalking
• Other people wake up suddenly from Nightmares and are very disturbed
• Narcolepsy, a neurological disorder that disturbs your sleep
• The Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorder disrupts your internal body clock
• Snoring, a common cause of sleep ailments, disturbing for both you and your partner

You might recognize the symptoms in daily life: feeling irritable and sleepy during the day, struggling to stay awake and falling asleep while driving, memory problems, and more.

A Natural Solution to help promote Peaceful Sleep – Pressure points for Instant Sleep

Anxiety, tension and stress sit behind a lot of sleeping ailments. These acupressure points are the soothing ones I use for sleeplessness, and they can help improve sleep.

Vital Diaphragm – B38

The Vital Diaphragm point is a go-to acupressure point for many sleep-related ailments, and for promoting peaceful sleep. You’ll find the B38 point between the shoulder blades, the spine and the back, at the level of the heart. Stimulating these points helps balance the emotions that come with grief, fear, anxiety and stress.

People use this point a lot for insomnia. Another thing about this point is that it helps treat respiratory problems, breathing difficulties and coughs. Place two tennis balls on the floor side by side and lie down on them, so they sit between your shoulder blades. Breathe deeply and close your eyes for one minute.

Pericardium 6

Pericardium 6 is another point for insomnia, and it’s used for vomiting and nausea too. It’s also known as the Inner Gate point, and you’ll find it at the central point of your inner forearm.

Measure two and a half finger widths from the wrist crease to find it. This treatment addresses sleep disorders, indigestion, palpitations and chest congestion. Press the point firmly with your thumb for one minute.

The Spirit Gate – H7

Over-excitement, anxiety, cold sweat and emotional issues keep a lot of people awake. The Spirit Gate, known as H7, is commonly used for these ailments. You’ll find H7 on the inner side of the wrist crease, in line with the little finger.

Stimulating this point helps you relax. Place your right thumb on the wrist of your right hand, in the hollow in the crease, hold for one minute, then switch sides.

Urinary Bladder 10

Urinary Bladder 10, also known as the B10 pressure point, is well known for headaches, dizziness and neck pain, and for relieving Insomnia, exhaustion and stress. It helps you relax, clears the mind, and promotes rest.

You’ll find it on the back of the neck, approximately 1 ½ inches below the base of the skull, on the muscles on the outer side of the spine. Curve your fingers, place your fingertips on the thick muscles at the back of the neck, and press firmly for one minute while breathing deeply.

Governing Vessel 16 – GV16

Governing Vessel 16, also known as GV16, is another point worth knowing for sleep. It’s an excellent Acupoint for treating sleep ailments. Others know it as the Wind Mansion. It’s at the center of the back of your head, in the concave area beneath the base of the skull.

It also helps with headaches, eye problems, asthma, chest tightness, nosebleeds, spinal cord problems and throat swelling. Find the hollow at the middle of the base of the skull and place your middle finger in it. Tilt your head back and press firmly into the hollow for one minute, eyes closed, breathing deeply.

Gall Bladder 20 – GB20

Gall Bladder 20 helps relieve Insomnia and disturbed sleep, and it helps with migraines, blurred vision, headaches and low energy too. Also known as the Gates of Consciousness, it sits below the base of the skull, in the concavity between the two vertical neck muscles, approximately 2 to 3 inches apart on the side of the head.

Use your thumbs for this one. Press firmly into the center of the skull for 11 minutes, eyes closed, leaning backward with your head. You’ll feel a constant pulse at this pressure point.

Governing Vessel 24.5

For sleep apnea, Governing Vessel 24.5 is the best acupressure point. It calms the mind and stimulates restful sleep. Also known as the Third Eye Point, it’s located between the eyebrows.

You’ll find this point at the bend where the bridge of the nose meets the forehead. Stimulate it together with Conception Vessel 17, which follows. It helps relieve panic attacks, depression and fear.

It reduces anxiety and insomnia. Place your right middle fingertip between the eyebrows, and the fingertips of your left hand on CV17, in the indentations of your breastbone, extending to your heart. Apply pressure for one minute, eyes closed, breathing deeply.

Conception Vessel 17

Used with the GV24.5 point, Conception Vessel 17 is a handy acupressure point for lessening sleep ailments. It’s also known as the Sea of Tranquility, and it’s believed to help with chest congestion, anxiety and nervousness. You can use this point for asthma, breast issues and palpitations too.

Kidney 6 – K6

Kidney 6, or Shining Sea, is a big one for promoting sleep. You’ll find it in a slight depression on the right side of the anklebone. Stimulating it is excellent for relieving hypertension, anxiety and insomnia.

Use this point in combination with B62. With your thumbs, hold the K6 point on one foot and the B62 point on the opposite foot, pressing firmly for one minute. Don’t forget to breathe deeply.

Urinary Bladder 62 – B62

Urinary Bladder 62 matters a lot when you’re treating sleeping ailments. Another name for it is the Extending Vessel. You’ll find it in the first indentation below the outside anklebone. Stimulate it in combination with the K6 point. It helps with sleeping disorders, and with stiff neck, epilepsy, headaches and nervousness too.

These acupressure points can help you relax and promote sleep naturally.

Home Remedies for Insomnia

Everyone’s sleep pattern is different. Some people feel refreshed after five hours, others need up to eight hours of rest. Many people suffer from sleep disorders that affect every aspect of their daily lives, though.

Not getting enough rest can lead to mood swings, poor concentration and depression. Insomnia is one of the most frequent sleep disorders. Do you have it, or are you not sure? Read on for some home remedies that can help.

What is Insomnia?

Insomnia, in plain terms, is struggling to sleep and ending up without enough rest. Some people fall asleep quickly, then wake suddenly in the night and can’t get back to sleep. There are rare exceptions, but most of us have sleepless nights now and then.

If it continues for a few days, you’ll experience transient insomnia that occurs when travel disrupts the body’s regular sleep pattern. If it continues for up to three weeks, it causes Insomnia.

Typical causes include stress, marital problems and more. Insomnia lasting longer than three weeks is caused by chronic pain, noise, psychological issues, drugs and more. Treating the ailment depends on the nature of the problem.

There are different ways to induce sleep, from psychotherapy for emotional stress to barbiturates such as benzodiazepines. The problem is that using medication is dangerous and can become addictive.

You can get insomnia when you’re pregnant, and when you quit smoking too. It can also lead to depression and anxiety, and cause weight gain.

How Does Insomnia Affect Your Health?

Don’t take insomnia lightly. Consult a doctor first, because a medical condition or a behavioral issue may be the cause. Whatever the reason, it can have a big impact on your health. Sleep deprivation makes you feel like you’re made of glass. Everything in the body hurts.

You’ll see everything through a haze, from mental distortions to minor hallucinations. First come the delusions, and eventually it makes you sick. Poor fitness, obesity, heart disease and diabetes can all follow. Your mood changes too, and the cause could be nothing more than a bad habit.

Insomnia Frequently Asked Questions

People get insomnia for different reasons. Here are answers to the questions I hear most.

Is insomnia a mental illness?

No, it’s not. But it is a symptom of another illness that affects mental health.

Can Insomnia be cured?

Yes — not by masking the problem, but by getting to its root and building better sleep habits

Can Insomnia lead to depression?

Yes and no. Sleep deprivation is caused by depression in most cases, and studies show that once Insomnia is untreated, a person can recover from it.

Can Insomnia cause anxiety?

Yes. Your body isn’t getting enough rest, and that can cause anxiety, and psychiatric Insomnia.

No. In most cases it causes weight gain, because hunger hormones rise and you end up overeating.

Insomnia When Pregnant

During pregnancy you can lose sleep for all sorts of reasons. Insomnia isn’t harmful to the baby, and it’s a regular occurrence during pregnancy. You may have heartburn, anxiety, discomfort, back pain, hormonal changes and frequent urination. So how do you treat it? A warm bath before bedtime helps, or a gentle massage.

You can also change your sleeping position, or make time to relax before bed. Exercise during the day, and take an afternoon nap if you can. And eat a healthy organic diet, and limit your caffeine intake.

If you’ve done all of the above, try this: tart cherry juice contains melatonin that helps you sleep. Also, drink less after 7 p.m., so you spend less time walking to the toilet.

Here are some other treatments that help:

• Practice Mindfulness Meditation – sit quietly with your legs crossed or in an uncomfortable position. Breathe slowly and steadily, observing each breath, body sensation or thought as they arise and pass. It helps promote sleep and reduces the stress-related concerns that can lead to sleep deprivation.
• Join a Yoga class for moms-to-be as it helps to relax the body and mind.
• Enhance your mood with lavender oil capsules as directed. Or add the oil to a diffuser, or add lavender to your tea.

If you hate the taste of lavender, try chamomile tea instead, which is safe for you and your baby.

Insomnia When Quitting Smoking

Insomnia is a common side effect when you quit smoking. You’re going through nicotine withdrawal. Here’s what can help your sleep during the process:

• Cut out caffeine. It’s a stimulant, and it will make you feel anxious.
• Take warm, relaxing baths before bed with scented salts and candles to make you feel relaxed.
• Get your spouse to rub you down. It works wonders for putting your mind at ease.
• Drink herbal teas instead of coffee while listening to soothing music.
• Or drink warm milk, turn off all the electronics in the room, and read a book.
• Don’t nap during the day. Get some exercise and meditate instead.

Home Remedies for Menopause Insomnia

A lot changes when a woman goes through this life transition, and sleepless nights are part of it. The body changes, leading to hot flashes, low blood sugar and tiredness. What matters is getting the proper balance of estrogen and progesterone, to make your menopause as painless as possible.

Here are home remedies you can use to balance both:

Estrogen Increasing

• Angelica – you can take Organic Angelica Root Capsules to help boost estrogen. It does not contain phytoestrogens, but coumarins that stimulate the uterus. You can consume it if you have insomnia, nervousness, hot flashes and mental fog.
• Organic Hops Tincture is an herbal remedy for hot flashes that can lead to insomnia. Organic Sage Tea is an excellent herb for menopause-related issues that can cause insomnia. Organic Red Clover Capsules – for any menstrual disorder or menopausal insomnia, this herb is highly beneficial.

Progesterone Increasing

• Organic Vitex Phytocapsules—the hormone regulator—balance the body and can be taken long-term without side effects. It can be used for anxiety, PMS, insomnia and menopause.
• Organic lemon balm capsules are a great natural remedy for relieving stress. Insomnia can be treated in the long term.
• Natural Oatstraw Tea is another long-term tonic. It helps with the exhaustion and emotions caused by menopausal Insomnia.

Tips to Help You Sleep

Insomnia keeps you up at night, and the first thing is to get out of your own head. Try not to stress. Focusing on the problem stops you falling back to sleep. Practice breathing exercises and repeat them through the night as needed. If sleep is hard to come by, relax with a technique that works for you.

You can meditate without getting out of bed, which rests the body and mind. Roll your eyes and gently rub your ears to promote calmness, or close your eyes and slowly roll them up a couple of times. If you’re wide awake, get out of bed and do something absorbing, such as reading a book.

Keep the lights dim and avoid electronic screens, because they can disrupt your sleep and wake you up again. Don’t brainstorm in bed. Make a brief note for the next day instead. Or practice abdominal breathing with your eyes closed, or do progressive muscle relaxation before bedtime.

Dietary Supplements:

• Melatonin is a hormone your body makes at night. It’s available over the counter as a supplement, and it can be taken to regulate your sleep cycle. It doesn’t work for everyone, though.
• Valerian is another herb. It brings a mild, sedative sleepiness, and the quality varies from supplier to supplier.

Final Thoughts

Whatever type of Insomnia you have, get to the root of the problem. Different things, and plenty of bad habits, cause sleep disorders. Once you’ve found the source, whether it’s stress, quitting smoking, pregnancy or menopause, try the tips above to change the habit and get a good night’s sleep.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Jian Times

Last updated: October 22, 2026