Evaluation of Clinical Efficacy of Heart and Spleen Deficiency Type Insomnia Treated by Acupuncture for Regulating Governor Vessel and Tranquilizing Spirit / 广州中医药大学学报

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the clinical effect of acupuncture combined with estazolam for the treatment of primary insomnia with heart and spleen deficiency type. Methods Seventy qualified patients were randomized into treatment group and control group, 35 in each group. Both groups received oral use of estazolam before bed time for 6 continuous weeks, and acupuncture group was additionally given acupuncture for regulating governor vessel and tranquilizing spirit on acupoints of Baihui(GV20), Yintang(GV29), Shenting(GV25), Anmian (EX-HN22), Shenmen(H7), Sanyinjiao(SP6), 3 times a week and lasting for 6 continuous weeks. The sleep state of the patients was estimated according to Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and Athens Insomnia Scale(AIS) before treatment, on the third and the sixth week of treatment, and one month after the completion of treatment. Results (1) Five cases in the treatment group and 3 cases in the control group were dropped out for not completing the treatment timely. In the end , 30 cases in the treatment group and 32 cases in the control group finished the trial. (2) The total effective rate in the treatment group was up to 90.0%, and was 71.9% in control group, the difference being significant(P<0.01).(3) Compared to the control group, the scores of PSQI, ESS and AIS were much decreased in treatment group on the third and the sixth week of treatment , and one month after treatment(P<0 . 05 or P<0 . 01). Conclusion Acupuncture for regulating governor vessel and tranquilizing mind combined with oral use of estazolam exerts certain therapeutic effect for the treatment of heart and spleen deficiency type insomnia, and the effect was superior to that of estazolam alone.