This is a feasibility study, so take any results with a huge grain of salt. (Hard to picture, but you know what I mean.) The acupuncture did not augment the benefits of exercise alone. Other
studies have shown
benefits from acupuncture for insomnia. Morning cortisol data is confusing and with such small numbers, it’s hard to know how to interpret them.
Full article here.Of note is that the needles were kept in for 50 minutes! I’m unclear if this is a new protocol I was unaware of.
The point selection was
Baihui (Governor Vase – VG20), located in the center-vertical line of the head, 7 tsun from the posterior edge of the hair; YinTang (Extra point 15), located between the eyebrows; Anmian (Extra point 30), located in a depression posterior to the base of the ear, approximately 1 tsun; Shenmen (Heart-C7): located radially to the pisiform bone and the tendon of the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle; Neiguan (Pericardium-PC6): located between the tendons of the radial flexor carpi and long palmar muscles, 2 tsun above the wrist line; Sanyinjiao (Spleen-Pancreas-BP6): on the posteromedial border of the tibia, 3 tsun above the medial malleolus. Indeed, the points located on the outer ear Shenmen, heart, occiput, subcortex
16. All selected points were registered in a meta-analysis evaluated the effects of acupuncture on chronic insomnia and were effective improving symptoms of insomnia
15,
16.
For the acupuncture session, threaded acupuncture needles, sterile, disposable, with diameter (0.25x15Mm) were used. The insertion of the needles was performed at 90º in relation to the body and ear surface, with light intensity, performing rotation movements (clockwise and counterclockwise) for approximately 15 seconds at each point or until reaching de-qi, characterized by a sensation of numbness, distension or tingling at the site of the needle radiating along the corresponding meridian which is considered an essential feature of acupuncture therapy according to the TCM
22. The needle
remained at each point for 50 minutes (90)
23. Before the procedure, the stitches were sanitized, as well as the applicator’s hand.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, there were no significant differences between treatments on insomnia severity, sleep, mood or quality of life. Exercise and exercise plus acupuncture were feasible for decrease insomnia severity to subthreshold insomnia. Greater reduction in morning cortisol was associated with a greater reduction on insomnia severity across both treatments.
Ferreira WS, Santana MG, Youngstedt SD, de Assis DE, de Assis BP, de Cerqueira DP, Mazzaro MC, Passos GS. Effects of exercise training and exercise plus acupuncture on chronic insomnia: a feasibility study. Sleep Sci. 2022 Jul-Sep;15(3):288-296. doi: 10.5935/1984-0063.20220053. PMID: 36158725; PMCID: PMC9496486.
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of exercise and exercise plus acupuncture on chronic insomnia.
Material and methods: suggest replacing with “effects of” no feasibility things are reported chronic insomnia were randomized to a 12-week treatment with exercise or exercise plus acupuncture. Exercise treatment included 50 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (50% of reserve heart rate), on a treadmill, 3 times/wk. Exercise plus acupuncture treatment included the exercise protocol plus acupuncture once per week. Pre- and post-treatments measures included insomnia severity index (ISI), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), polysomnography (PSG), 10 days-sleep diary, state-trait anxiety inventory, Beck depression inventory, quality of life (SF-36), and morning cortisol level.
Results: No group by time interaction was found for insomnia severity, sleep, mood or quality of life. Significant time differences (p<0.05) were observed for ISI, PSQI, and some variables of sleep diary. Polysomnography data showed a decrease in rapid eye movement (REM) latency after the interventions. Significant time improvements were also observed for mood, anxiety, depression, and quality of life. A significant moderate correlation was found between changes in the ISI and morning cortisol level.
Conclusion: There were no significant differences between treatments on insomnia severity, sleep, mood or quality of life. Exercise and exercise plus acupuncture were efficacious for decreasing insomnia severity to subthreshold insomnia. Greater reduction in morning cortisol was associated with a greater reduction on insomnia severity across both treatments.
