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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.

Last updated: Jul 29, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

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

Study Evidence

Study 1. Efficacy of auricular acupressure for insomnia in pregnant women: A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.

observational

Xu X, Lv M, Zhang W, Wu X, Mi Z, Xu W, Xu L, Dong W, Wu Y, Chen L, Luo Q · Explore (New York, N.Y.) (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 5 weeks
Intervention: Auricular acupressure (AA) at insomnia-related acupoints
Outcome: Sleep quality (PSQI score), nightly sleep duration, depressive and anxiety symptoms, diurnal cortisol rhythms
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Pregnant women (≥28 weeks' gestation) with insomnia

Result:

PubMed: 42508202DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2026.103502

Mechanism Graph

AA stimulates specific auricular acupoints
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Modulates autonomic nervous system activity
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Regulates hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis
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Result: Improved sleep quality and reduced cortisol dysregulation

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

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References

  1. 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
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.