ABSTRACT
Objective To observe any effect of low-frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the sleep and mood of elderly insomniacs.Methods Thirty-four elderly insomniacs were divided randomly into an experiment group (n =18) and a control group (n =16).The experiment group received rTMS of the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex,while the control group was given alternating magnetic field stimulation at the same site.Before and after 4 weeks of the treatments,all of the subjects were assessed using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI),the Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) and the Hamilton depression scale (HAMD).They were also assessed with those instruments omitting the sleep items in order to reduce the possible impact of any sleep changes on the HAMA and HAMD scores.Results Before the treatment there were no significant differences in the groups' average PSQI,HAMA and HAMD scores.After 4 weeks all the measurements in both groups had decreased significantly,with the experimental group's averages significantly lower than those of the control group.Conclusions rTMS treatment is more effective than alternating magnetic field treatment for the elderly with insomnia,significantly improving their sleep and mood.