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Enhanced external counterpulsation improves sleep quality in chronic insomnia: A pilot randomized controlled study
Xiuli Xu1, Wenjuan Zhou2, Yinfen Wang2
1Department of Cardiology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, China; Guangdong Innovative Engineering and Technology Research Center for Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, China; National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 528478, China.
Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) significantly improved sleep quality and mental health in individuals with chronic insomnia. These benefits persisted for three months, indicating a sustained therapeutic effect.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sleep Medicine
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Chronic insomnia affects millions, leading to impaired quality of life.
- Current treatments for chronic insomnia have limitations.
- Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) is a non-invasive hemodynamic therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the short-term efficacy of EECP for chronic insomnia.
- To assess the impact of EECP on sleep quality, anxiety, depression, and overall health.
Main Methods:
- Pilot randomized, participant-blind, sham-controlled study.
- 46 participants with chronic insomnia received 35 sessions of EECP or sham EECP.
- Primary outcome: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI); Secondary outcomes: sleep diary, HADS, SF-12, FMD, and biomarkers.
Main Results:
- EECP significantly reduced PSQI scores compared to sham treatment (p=0.009).
- EECP improved total sleep time, sleep efficiency, and SF-12 mental component.
- Improvements in sleep quality and mental health were maintained at 3-month follow-up.
Conclusions:
- EECP is effective in improving sleep quality for chronic insomnia patients.
- The therapeutic benefits of EECP on sleep and mental well-being are sustained for at least 3 months.
- EECP offers a promising non-pharmacological treatment option for chronic insomnia.
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