[Continuous nocturnal automassage of an acupuncture point modifies sleep in healthy subjects]

To test the somnogenic properties of the automassage of point 7 heart of acupuncture, polygraphic night sleep was studied in six healthy volunteers (age: 27.8 +/- 1.6 years) from 23:00 h to 07:00 h. After one night of adaptation, two PEBA cones (Polyether Block Amides; Isocones) were fixed bilaterally at both points 7 heart (active application, AA) or on the back of hand (placebo application, AP). The alternate application was used 2 weeks later, using a randomized, double-blind, and cross-over protocol. Cyclic alternating patterns (CAP) were also analysed on the electroencephalogram during non-REM sleep. Sleep efficiency increased in AA, due to a decrease in wakefulness, and an increase in total sleep time due to an increase in non-REM sleep. The number of CAP decreased in AA, as did the number of CAP sequences and the ratio of CAP duration to total sleep time (CAP rate) and to the duration of slow-wave sleep. In conclusion, the application of Isocones at point 7 heart during the night induced a decrease in wakefulness and an increase in non-REM sleep during night sleep in healthy subjects.