A randomised controlled trial of auricular acupuncture and cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia: A short-term self-assessment

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the short‐term treatment effects of auricular acupuncture (AA) and cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT‐i) on insomnia. Methods: 59 participants, mean age 60.5 years (SD 9.4), with insomnia disorder were randomised to group treatment with AA or CBT‐i. Pre‐ and post‐treatment measures included insomnia symptoms, sleep parameters and related symptoms such as anxiety and depression, via self‐report questionnaires: the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Epworth Sleepiness scale (ESS), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HAD‐A, HAD‐D), and a sleep diary. Linear mixed models were performed to examine treatment effect over time within and between the groups. Results: Within the CBT‐i group ISI decreased (P < 0.001), the AA group decreased in HAD‐A (P < 0.05) and HAD‐D (P < 0.05). The only between‐group difference occurred in ISI (P < 0.001), in favour of CBT‐i. According to the sleep diary within‐group results, the CBT‐i group went to bed later (P<0.001) and fell asleep quicker (P<0.05) post‐treatment. Their sleep efficiency increased (P<0.001) as well as their self‐rated sleep quality (P<0.05). Both groups changed their time of rising; the CBT‐i group rose earlier (P < 0.001) and the AA group later (P < 0.05). Time spent in bed decreased in the CBT‐i group (P < 0.001) and increased in the AA group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Short‐term reductions occurred in the CBT‐i group regarding insomnia symptoms, whilst no change was seen in the AA group. Anxiety and depressive symptoms decreased in the AA group, no change was seen in the CBT‐i group.