Efficacy and Safety of Auricular Acupressure for Insomnia in Patients With Functional Dyspepsia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

In 30 seconds

This randomized controlled trial evaluated auricular acupressure (AA) for insomnia in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD), comparing treatment at the ear concha with sham acupressure at the earlobe. Eighty-two participants were randomized equally between groups and treated over 2 weeks. At week 2, the response rate—defined as at least a 50% reduction in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score—was 53.7% with AA versus 29.3% with sham (95% confidence interval -35.6 to -13.2, P < 0.001). The reported benefit persisted during the 8-week posttreatment follow-up; adverse events were mild and comparable.

Key findings

• At week 2, response rates were 53.7% with AA and 29.3% with sham AA (95% confidence interval -35.6 to -13.2, P < 0.001).
• The efficacy of AA was sustained during the 8-week posttreatment follow-up.
• Adverse events were mild and comparable between groups (P = 0.53).

Why it matters

Insomnia commonly affects people with FD, and this trial found a higher short-term response rate with AA than with sham treatment, with benefit reported through follow-up. The findings add randomized evidence on a nonpharmacological approach in this population, while the reported outcomes and follow-up do not establish broader or longer-term effects.

What to keep in mind

The trial included 82 participants, and follow-up after treatment was limited to 8 weeks.