Acupuncture improved sleep in postmenopause in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Insomnia increases in frequency as women approach and pass through menopause. This study evaluated the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy on sleep disturbances, depression symptoms and quality of life in postmenopausal women with insomnia. Acupuncture was found to be able to improve sleep in postmenopause in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Patients and treatments:  In this randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study, 18 postmenopausal women aged 50-67 years presented with a diagnosis of insomnia were treated with acupuncture and ‘sham’ acupuncture during a period of 5 weeks. A polysomnography exam (PSG, a comprehensive recording of the biophysiological changes that occur during sleep) and questionnaires on sleep quality, depression inventory and quality of life were completed by all patients before and after the treatment period.

Results:  Acupuncture treatment significantly improved sleep quality and quality of life. The acupuncture group had a higher percentage of the N3+4 stage (deep sleep) than the sham group in PSG findings.

Conclusion:  Acupuncture is effective in improving sleep quality and quality of life in postmenopausal women with insomnia.

Source:  Hachul H, et al. Acupuncture improved sleep in postmenopause in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Climacteric 2013;16:36-40.