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Acupuncture improves sleep quality in patients with chronic insomnia and mild cognitive impairment

This protocol describes a sham-controlled randomized trial testing acupuncture for chronic insomnia with mild cognitive impairment. Eighty-two participants will receive 10 sessions of real or sham acupuncture over 4 weeks, with the primary outcome being change in PSQI total score from baseline to week 4. The study aims to provide evidence for acupuncture as a non-pharmacological intervention in this comorbid population.

1 min read•Updated Jul 9, 2026•1 RCTs•View structured evidence →
Evidence Score42/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

This article is automatically generated from the structured evidence profile behind the claim above. Scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical advice.

Acupuncture improves sleep quality in patients with chronic insomnia and mild cognitive impairment The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 42/100 (low).

The Claim

Acupuncture improves sleep quality in patients with chronic insomnia and mild cognitive impairment

This conclusion is most relevant to: Patients with chronic insomnia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

What the Research Shows

The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:

  • ▸Acupuncture for chronic insomnia with mild cognitive impairment: protocol for a randomized controlled trial. (Frontiers in neurology, 2026) —

How It Works

The proposed biological pathway:

  • ▸Acupuncture may modulate neurotransmitter systems involved in sleep regulation
  • ▸Acupuncture may reduce hyperarousal and stress responses
  • ▸Acupuncture may improve cerebral blood flow and neuroplasticity
  • ▸Result: Improved sleep quality and cognitive function

Who Might Benefit

Evidence fit by population:

  • ▸Patients with chronic insomnia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI)

Limitations & Caveats

Important context when interpreting this evidence:

  • ▸Single-center design may limit generalizability
  • ▸Sham acupuncture may not be a fully inert control, potentially reducing effect size estimates
  • ▸Small sample size (n=82) may limit power for secondary outcomes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary outcome measure in this trial?▼

The primary outcome is the change in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) total score from baseline to post-treatment at week 4.

How many acupuncture sessions will participants receive?▼

Participants will receive 10 sessions of acupuncture or sham acupuncture over approximately 4 weeks.

What population is being studied?▼

The study targets patients with both chronic insomnia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Is this a blinded study?▼

Yes, it is a participant- and assessor-blinded, sham-controlled randomized clinical trial.

References

  1. 1.Jia X, Zhou G, Shen P, Lin S, Zhou H, Xu F, Jiang S, Wang C. “Acupuncture for chronic insomnia with mild cognitive impairment: protocol for a randomized controlled trial..” Frontiers in neurology, 2026. PMID: 42404114 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2026.1790480
Disclaimer: This article is auto-generated from structured research data for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.