Ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion acupuncture combined with conventional acupuncture may provide additional benefit over conventional acupuncture alone for chronic insomnia disorder.
This randomized controlled trial will enroll 80 patients with chronic insomnia disorder to compare ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion acupuncture plus conventional acupuncture versus conventional acupuncture alone over 12 sessions in 4 weeks. Primary outcomes include the Insomnia Severity Index and functional near-infrared spectroscopy measures of brain function, with follow-up at week 8.
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.
Ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion acupuncture combined with conventional acupuncture may provide additional benefit over conventional acupuncture alone for chronic insomnia disorder. The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 42/100 (low).
The Claim
Ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion acupuncture combined with conventional acupuncture may provide additional benefit over conventional acupuncture alone for chronic insomnia disorder.
This conclusion is most relevant to: Patients with chronic insomnia disorder (CID).
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion acupuncture for chronic insomnia disorder using fNIRS: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. (Frontiers in neurology, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Sympathetic hyperarousal plays a role in insomnia
- ▸Stellate ganglion is targeted as a therapeutic site
- ▸Ultrasound-guided acupuncture modulates sympathetic activity
- ▸Combined with conventional acupuncture to improve sleep and brain function
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Patients with chronic insomnia disorder (CID)
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Single-center design may limit generalizability
- ▸Results are not yet available as this is a study protocol
- ▸Healthy controls are used only for baseline fNIRS comparison, not for intervention comparison
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary outcome of this trial?▼
The primary outcomes are the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) data of brain function.
How many treatment sessions will patients receive?▼
Both groups will receive 12 treatment sessions over 4 weeks.
What is the role of healthy controls in this study?▼
Healthy controls are recruited only for baseline functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) comparison, not for the intervention.
Why is the stellate ganglion targeted in this acupuncture protocol?▼
Because sympathetic hyperarousal plays an important role in insomnia, and the stellate ganglion may represent a useful therapeutic target.
References
- 1.Zhang J, Song J, Hu J, Zhang W, Feng Y, Ding W, Xu C, Liu H. “Ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion acupuncture for chronic insomnia disorder using fNIRS: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial..” Frontiers in neurology, 2026. PMID: 42444652 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2026.1855633