Acupuncture to treat insomnia
In China, acupuncture is commonly used to treat insomnia.
Researchers from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine reviewed the evidence.
First, the details.
- Data from 46 studies of 3811 patients were reviewed and combined for a meta-analysis.
And, the results.
- There was a significant benefit of acupuncture vs no treatment and sham acupressure.
- Acupuncture was significantly better than drug treatment for total sleep duration — increased for greater than 3 hours.
- There was no difference between acupuncture and medications in average sleep duration.
- Acupuncture plus medications showed a significantly better effect vs medications alone on total sleep duration.
- Acupuncture plus herbs was significantly better than herbs alone on increasing sleep rates.
- There were no serious adverse effects related to acupuncture.
The bottom line?
There appear to be benefits with acupuncture. However, the researchers acknowledge that better studies are needed.
11/21/09 22:41 JR