Insomnia means regularly having trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or waking too early, and feeling tired during the day as a result. Short spells are common and often linked to stress. When it lasts for weeks or months it deserves attention.
Common causes
- Stress, worry and a busy mind
- Irregular schedules, shift work or jet lag
- Caffeine, alcohol and late-night screen use
- Pain, breathing problems, reflux or other medical conditions
- Depression or anxiety
- Menopause and hormonal changes
- Some medicines
Sleep habits that help
A regular bedtime and wake time, a cool dark room, no caffeine after lunchtime, and putting screens away an hour before bed. Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is a first-line treatment recommended by many guidelines.
Acupuncture and herbal medicine
At The Tole, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are offered as a complement to good sleep habits and medical care. In the traditional view, poor sleep reflects an imbalance that the Master’s team assesses individually, through the pulse, tongue and your history.
Some studies suggest acupuncture may improve sleep quality in some people, but research quality varies. We do not promise a particular result. Please tell us about any sleeping pills you take.
Acupuncture and herbal treatment at The Tole
At The Tole, treatment combines neuro acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. The Master’s team reviews your history and any medical reports, then recommends acupuncture, herbal preparations, or both. Herbs are prepared for the individual, using natural herbs and the family’s ancestral formulas.
You can walk in during opening hours without an appointment. If you live far away, email your medical reports and we will advise you on herbs and, where suitable, an intensive course of acupuncture. Herbs can be couriered to any country, usually in 3 to 5 working days. See herbs by post.
What to expect at your first visit
- Walk in or message us. No appointment is needed during opening hours. You can also send a WhatsApp message first.
- Tell us your story. The Master’s team asks about your symptoms and history, and looks at any reports you bring.
- Agree a plan. They recommend neuro acupuncture, herbal medicine, or both, and explain what to expect.
- Follow up. If you take herbs, we ask you to update us on your progress by email.
Why people choose The Tole
- A family practice, now in its fourth generation, in Kuala Lumpur since 1992
- Officially opened by the Health Minister on 31 January 1993
- Herbal formulas prepared for each patient, using natural herbs
- Walk-ins welcome, and herbs couriered to any country
Common questions
Can acupuncture help me sleep?
Some people report better sleep, and some studies support this. The evidence is mixed, so we offer it alongside good sleep habits and, where needed, medical care.
Are the herbs safe with sleeping pills?
Please tell us about every medicine you take. Some herbs and sleeping pills can add to each other’s effects, so we plan carefully with you.
How long should I wait before seeing a doctor?
If poor sleep has lasted more than three weeks, or affects your safety, mood or work, speak to a doctor.
See a doctor first if
- Loud snoring with pauses in breathing, or waking gasping. This may be sleep apnoea
- Low mood, loss of interest or thoughts of harming yourself. Please speak to a doctor, or see the support lines on our stress page
- Falling asleep while driving or at work
- Insomnia lasting more than a few weeks
Ready to talk to us?
Message us on WhatsApp, or walk in during opening hours. No appointment is needed.
Traditional Chinese medicine is offered as a complement to, not a replacement for, medical care. We do not promise a cure or a particular result, and responses vary from person to person. Please keep your doctor informed about any herbs or treatments you use.