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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.

Last updated: Jul 16, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

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

Study Evidence

Study 1. Ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion acupuncture for chronic insomnia disorder using fNIRS: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

observational

Zhang J, Song J, Hu J, Zhang W, Feng Y, Ding W, Xu C, Liu H · Frontiers in neurology (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 8 weeks
Intervention: Ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion acupuncture plus conventional acupuncture
Outcome: Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) data of brain function, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), overall clinical efficacy
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Patients with chronic insomnia disorder (CID)

Result:

PubMed: 42444652DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2026.1855633

Mechanism Graph

Sympathetic hyperarousal plays a role in insomnia
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Stellate ganglion is targeted as a therapeutic site
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Ultrasound-guided acupuncture modulates sympathetic activity
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Combined with conventional acupuncture to improve sleep and brain function

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

Products

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References

  1. 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
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.