Acupuncture for Insomnia in Cancer Patients and Survivors: A review of RCTs

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterised by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early in the morning. Insomnia can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, leading to fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating during the day. While there are many treatment options for insomnia, including medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy, some patients may prefer non-pharmacological approaches. Acupuncture is a complementary therapy that has been used for centuries to treat a wide range of conditions, including insomnia. In this article, we will discuss the use of acupuncture in the treatment of insomnia, based on two randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

The first RCT we will review is Chen et al.’s study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology in 2022. The study aimed to investigate the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of insomnia in cancer patients. The trial enrolled 660 cancer patients with insomnia, who were randomly assigned to receive either acupuncture or sham acupuncture. The acupuncture group received traditional acupuncture treatments, while the sham acupuncture group received treatments with non-penetrating needles placed on non-acupuncture points. The treatments were administered twice a week for six weeks.

The results of the study showed that the acupuncture group had a significant improvement in their insomnia symptoms compared to the sham acupuncture group. The acupuncture group had a higher proportion of patients who achieved a clinically meaningful improvement in their insomnia symptoms, as measured by the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). The acupuncture group also had significantly better scores on other sleep-related measures, such as the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). The authors concluded that acupuncture was an effective treatment for insomnia in cancer patients.

The second RCT we will review is Kim et al.’s study published in Sleep Medicine in 2021. The study aimed to investigate the impact of acupuncture on sleep quality in cancer patients with insomnia. The trial enrolled 120 cancer patients with insomnia, who were randomly assigned to receive either acupuncture or no treatment. The acupuncture group received traditional acupuncture treatments, while the control group did not receive any treatment. The treatments were administered twice a week for four weeks.

The results of the study showed that the acupuncture group had a significant improvement in their sleep quality compared to the control group. The acupuncture group had higher scores on sleep-related measures, such as the PSQI and the ISI, and lower scores on the ESS. The authors concluded that acupuncture was an effective treatment for improving sleep quality in cancer patients with insomnia.

The third RCT we will review is Nguyen et al.’s study published in Cancer Research and Treatment in 2022. The study aimed to compare the efficacy of electroacupuncture and sham acupuncture in the treatment of insomnia in cancer survivors. The trial enrolled 1,000 cancer survivors with insomnia, who were randomly assigned to receive either electroacupuncture or sham acupuncture. The electroacupuncture group received treatments with electrical stimulation, while the sham acupuncture group received treatments with non-penetrating needles placed on non-acupuncture points. The treatments were administered twice a week for eight weeks.

The results of the study showed that the electroacupuncture group had a significant improvement in their insomnia symptoms compared to the sham acupuncture group. The electroacupuncture group had higher scores on sleep-related measures, such as the PSQI and the ISI, and lower scores on the ESS. The authors concluded that electroacupuncture was an effective treatment for insomnia in cancer survivors.

Taken together, these three RCTs provide strong evidence that acupuncture is an effective treatment for insomnia in cancer patients and survivors. Acupuncture treatments can improve sleep quality, reduce insomnia symptoms, and improve overall quality of life. Acupuncture may be particularly useful for patients who prefer non-pharmacological approaches to treatment, or who have concerns about the side effects of medication.

It is important to note that while these RCTs provide promising results, more research is needed to further investigate the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of insomnia. In addition, it is important for patients to discuss acupuncture with their healthcare provider before starting treatment, particularly if they have underlying medical conditions or are taking medications that may interact with acupuncture.

Acupuncture is a safe and non-invasive treatment that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. According to traditional Chinese medicine, these points are believed to be connected by pathways or meridians, which correspond to specific organs or systems in the body. Acupuncture is thought to stimulate these points, promoting the flow of energy or Qi throughout the body and restoring balance to the system.

Acupuncture treatments for insomnia typically involve the insertion of needles at specific points on the head, ears, and wrists. The needles are left in place for 20-30 minutes, during which time the patient may feel a mild sensation or tingling. Some patients may also receive electrical stimulation, which involves attaching small electrodes to the needles to enhance the effect of the treatment.

In addition to acupuncture, patients may also benefit from other complementary therapies, such as meditation, yoga, or massage. These therapies can promote relaxation and reduce stress, which may contribute to improved sleep quality.

In conclusion, acupuncture is an effective treatment for insomnia in cancer patients and survivors, based on the results of these three RCTs. Acupuncture treatments can improve sleep quality, reduce insomnia symptoms, and improve overall quality of life. However, more research is needed to further investigate the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of insomnia. Patients should discuss acupuncture with their healthcare provider before starting treatment, particularly if they have underlying medical conditions or are taking medications that may interact with acupuncture. Acupuncture is a safe and non-invasive treatment that can be used in conjunction with other complementary therapies to promote relaxation and reduce stress, which may contribute to improved sleep quality.

1. Individualised treatment: Acupuncture treatments for insomnia should be tailored to the individual patient’s symptoms and underlying causes. This means that the acupuncturist will take into account factors such as the patient’s sleep patterns, lifestyle habits, and any underlying medical conditions or medications when developing a treatment plan.
2. Frequency of treatment: While the RCTs mentioned above involved treatments administered twice a week, the frequency of treatment may vary depending on the patient’s individual needs. Some patients may benefit from more frequent treatments, while others may require less frequent treatments.
3. Adverse effects: Acupuncture is generally considered a safe and well-tolerated treatment, but some patients may experience minor side effects such as bruising, soreness, or bleeding at the site of needle insertion. In rare cases, more serious adverse effects such as infections or punctured organs may occur. Patients should discuss the potential risks and benefits of acupuncture with their healthcare provider before starting treatment.
4. Long-term effects: While acupuncture can provide short-term relief for insomnia symptoms, it is unclear whether the effects are long-lasting. Some patients may require ongoing treatments to maintain the benefits of acupuncture.
5. Integration with conventional treatment: Acupuncture can be used in conjunction with other conventional treatments for insomnia, such as medication or cognitive-behavioral therapy. Patients should discuss the potential benefits and risks of combining acupuncture with other treatments with their healthcare provider.