Auricular Acupuncture and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia: A Randomised Controlled Study

Abstract EN

Objective.

The most effective nonpharmacological treatment for insomnia disorder is cognitive behavioural therapy-insomnia (CBT-i).

However CBT-i may not suit everyone.

Auricular acupuncture (AA) is a complementary treatment.

Studies show that it may alleviate insomnia symptoms.

The aim of this randomised controlled study was to compare treatment effects of AA with CBT-i and evaluate symptoms of insomnia severity, anxiety, and depression.

Method.

Fifty-nine participants, mean age 60.5 years (SD 9.4), with insomnia disorder were randomised to group treatment with AA or CBT-i.

Self-report questionnaires, the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep scale (DBAS-16), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HAD), were collected at baseline, after treatment, and at 6-month follow-up.

A series of linear mixed models were performed to examine treatment effect over time between and within the groups.

Results.

Significant between-group improvements were seen in favour of CBT-i in ISI after treatment and at the 6-month follow-up and in DBAS-16 after treatment.

Both groups showed significant within-group postintervention improvements in ISI, and these changes were maintained six months later.

The CBT-i group also showed a significant reduction in DBAS-16 after treatment and six months later.

Conclusions.

Compared to CBT-i, AA, as offered in this study, cannot be considered an effective stand-alone treatment for insomnia disorder.

The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01765959.