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Acupuncture-Based Interventions for Sleep Outcomes in Patients with Postherpetic Neuralgia: A Systematic Review and
Jingqi Zhang1, Jiachen Zhang2, Jie Chen1
1College of Acupuncture and Massage, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, People's Republic of China.
Journal of Pain Research
|June 26, 2026
Summary
Acupuncture therapy significantly improves sleep quality for patients with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). This systematic review and meta-analysis confirms acupuncture
Area of Science:
- Integrative Medicine
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a common complication of shingles.
- Sleep disturbances are prevalent in PHN patients, impacting quality of life.
- The efficacy of acupuncture for PHN-related sleep issues requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze the impact of acupuncture therapies on sleep quality in PHN patients.
- To assess the effectiveness of acupuncture compared to conventional treatments for PHN.
- To evaluate broader clinical outcomes associated with acupuncture in PHN management.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 studies with 1,739 patients.
- Searched eight major databases up to October 2025.
- Assessed study quality using Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0 (RoB 2).
Main Results:
- Acupuncture significantly improved sleep quality in PHN patients (SMD = -1.21, p < 0.0001).
- All tested acupuncture methods showed superiority over conventional treatment.
- Acupuncture also demonstrated benefits in pain, anxiety, depression, and quality of life.
Conclusions:
- Acupuncture therapies show promise in enhancing sleep quality for individuals with postherpetic neuralgia.
- Further high-quality randomized controlled trials are recommended to confirm efficacy.
- Acupuncture may offer comprehensive benefits for broader clinical outcomes in PHN.