A recent randomized controlled trial conducted by Henan University of Chinese Medicine examines acupuncture’s effects on patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) comorbid with partial sleep deprivation (PSD). This study provides valuable insights into the mechanisms and efficacy of acupuncture in addressing anxiety symptoms and sleep disturbances, supported by rigorous methodology and biomedical findings [1].
Acupuncture demonstrated measurable improvements in anxiety symptoms and cognitive functions, as assessed by multiple scales, including the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), the Sleep Deprivation Index (SDI), and electrophysiological measures like event-related potentials (ERPs). Patients receiving acupuncture showed reductions in anxiety-related biomarkers and improved sleep patterns compared to those in the sham acupuncture group [2].
The study recruited 56 participants aged 18–25 years diagnosed with GAD and PSD, characterized by less than six hours of sleep per night over the past month. Participants were randomized into acupuncture and sham acupuncture groups in a 1:1 ratio, with sessions conducted three times weekly for two weeks. An additional group of 28 healthy controls underwent baseline evaluations without interventions [3].
The acupuncture group received treatment at the following points:
• GV20 (Baihui): Located at the top of the head, Baihui is traditionally associated with calming the mind and improving cognitive functions.
• EX-HN3 (Yintang): Situated between the eyebrows, Yintang is used to relieve stress and anxiety.
• LI4 (Hegu): Found on the dorsal hand, between the thumb and index finger, this point is applied to reduce tension and alleviate headaches.
• LV3 (Taichong): On the dorsum of the foot, this point addresses stress and emotional imbalances.
• PC6 (Neiguan): Located on the inner forearm, Neiguan is known for its role in calming the spirit and improving sleep quality.
• HT7 (Shenmen): On the wrist, this point is frequently used for anxiety and insomnia [4].
Sterile needles measuring 0.35 mm in diameter and 25 mm in length were used. Needles were inserted to a depth of 10–20 mm and manipulated to achieve the deqi sensation. Each session lasted 30 minutes. In the sham group, non-penetrating needles were applied superficially at the same acupoints to control for placebo effects [5].
Anxiety Reduction
The HAMA score, a standard tool for evaluating anxiety severity, showed significant decreases in the acupuncture group compared to the sham group. Initial scores exceeding 25 were reduced by an average of 11 points after two weeks of treatment, indicating substantial alleviation of anxiety symptoms [6].
Sleep Improvement
The SDI, which measures differences in weekday and weekend sleep durations, revealed that acupuncture improved sleep consistency. Participants in the acupuncture group reported an increase of approximately two hours in total sleep time, while sham acupuncture yielded no significant changes [7].
Findings
ERPs measured during cognitive tasks, such as the Go/No-Go emotional detection paradigm and the Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT), indicated enhanced attention and reduced emotional bias in the acupuncture group. Improvements in P300 latency and amplitude were observed, suggesting better cognitive processing and emotional regulation [8].
Acupuncture appears to modulate the brain’s default mode network, which is associated with self-referential thought and emotional regulation. Functional connectivity within this network was restored, as shown in previous studies involving similar interventions [9]. Additionally, the reduction of inflammatory biomarkers such as cortisol and interleukin-6 suggests that acupuncture alleviates hyperarousal, a central feature of GAD and PSD [10].
The trial reported minimal adverse events, such as mild local bruising and transient dizziness in a few participants, all of which resolved without intervention. This reinforces acupuncture’s profile as a safe therapeutic option for young adults with GAD and PSD [11].
This trial provides a replicable protocol for acupuncturists to treat GAD with PSD. The specific acupoints and techniques outlined offer a targeted approach to reducing anxiety symptoms and improving sleep quality. Licensed practitioners are encouraged to consider these findings for integrating evidence-based acupuncture into comprehensive care plans for patients with anxiety-related disorders.
Acupuncture offers a promising, low-risk intervention for managing GAD and PSD, with robust improvements in both subjective and objective measures of anxiety and sleep. This study underscores the importance of rigorous research in traditional Chinese medicine and its application in modern therapeutic contexts.
References:
1. Shi C, Wu L, Fu W, Gao J, Jiang H, Wang M, Chen X. Mechanism of cognitive processing for acupuncture action on generalized anxiety with naturally occurring consecutive partial sleep deprivation in early adulthood: a randomized controlled study and evaluation of event-related potentials. Front Public Health. 2024;12:1420299.
2–11. Ibid.
