Auricular acupressure improves sleep quality in pregnant women with insomnia
In a randomized, double-blind trial of 86 pregnant women (≥28 weeks' gestation) with insomnia, auricular acupressure (AA) significantly reduced Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores by 3.51 points (p < 0.01) and increased nightly sleep duration (p < 0.01) compared to sham AA. No adverse events occurred, indicating AA is a safe and effective non-invasive intervention for insomnia during pregnancy.
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.
Auricular acupressure improves sleep quality in pregnant women with insomnia The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 42/100 (low).
The Claim
Auricular acupressure improves sleep quality in pregnant women with insomnia
This conclusion is most relevant to: Pregnant women (≥28 weeks' gestation) with insomnia.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Efficacy of auricular acupressure for insomnia in pregnant women: A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. (Explore (New York, N.Y.), 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸AA stimulates specific auricular acupoints
- ▸Modulates autonomic nervous system activity
- ▸Regulates hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis
- ▸Result: Improved sleep quality and reduced cortisol dysregulation
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Pregnant women (≥28 weeks' gestation) with insomnia
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸High dropout rate (9 out of 86 participants did not complete the trial)
- ▸Single study with relatively small sample size (77 completers)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is auricular acupressure?▼
Auricular acupressure is a non-invasive technique that involves applying pressure to specific points on the ear to stimulate healing and relieve symptoms, such as insomnia.
Is auricular acupressure safe during pregnancy?▼
Yes, this study reported no adverse events in either the AA or sham AA group, suggesting it is safe for pregnant women with insomnia.
How much did sleep quality improve in the AA group?▼
The AA group showed a significant reduction in PSQI score by 3.51 points (p < 0.01) and increased nightly sleep duration compared to the sham group.
Does auricular acupressure affect mental health in pregnant women?▼
Yes, the study found that AA was associated with reduced depressive and anxiety symptoms and improved diurnal cortisol rhythms.
References
- 1.Xu X, Lv M, Zhang W, Wu X, Mi Z, Xu W, Xu L, Dong W, Wu Y, Chen L, Luo Q. “Efficacy of auricular acupressure for insomnia in pregnant women: A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial..” Explore (New York, N.Y.), 2026. PMID: 42508202 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2026.103502