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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.

Last updated: Jul 9, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score42/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Acupuncture for chronic insomnia with mild cognitive impairment: protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

observational

Jia X, Zhou G, Shen P, Lin S, Zhou H, Xu F, Jiang S, Wang C · Frontiers in neurology (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 8-9 weeks
Intervention: 10 sessions of acupuncture over approximately 4 weeks
Outcome: Change in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) total score from baseline to post-treatment (week 4)
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Patients with chronic insomnia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI)

Result:

PubMed: 42404114DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2026.1790480

Mechanism Graph

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

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

Products

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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 content is 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.