Efficacy of Auricular Pressure Beans with Electroacupuncture and Estazolam Treating Insomnia Caused by Cancer

This study is a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled, open-label clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of auricular pressure beans combined with electroacupuncture and estazolam in treating cancer-caused insomnia. A total of 60 patients will be enrolled and randomized into a control group and an experimental group, each consisting of 30 patients.Patients in the control group will follow the standard estazolam treatment program, with the drug dosage adjusted according to individual conditions to achieve the best therapeutic effect. In the experimental group, auricular pressure points and electroacupuncture will be skillfully integrated with estazolam treatment. The auricular pressure points will be carefully selected based on their relation to insomnia (e.g., Shenmen, heart, sympathetic) and will be replaced once or twice a week. Electroacupuncture will target key acupoints such as Baihui, Shenmen, and Sanyinjiao, with each session lasting 30 minutes and conducted twice a week.Data collection will involve the Insomnia Severity Index, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), and other assessments through questionnaires and clinical evaluations at the end of the 0th, 4th, and 8th weeks of treatment, as well as during follow-up (12th, 16th, and 20th weeks). All adverse reactions occurring throughout the treatment process will be closely monitored and recorded, including both drug-related and non-drug-related adverse reactions. Professional statistical software will be used to analyze the data rigorously, comparing dynamic changes in various indicators between the experimental and control groups before and after treatment, thereby scientifically assessing the efficacy and safety of the combined treatment for cancer-related insomnia. This rigorous study design and comprehensive data analysis aim to provide new perspectives and evidence for treating cancer-related insomnia.

Inclusion criteria

• Age 18 and above.
• The diagnosis of a malignant solid tumor was confirmed by pathological examination.
• Clinically diagnosed cancer-caused insomnia with insomnia symptoms lasting more than 1 month, more than 3 or more times per week.
• An Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) score of 8 or higher and meets the criteria for insomnia disorder as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition.
• No medications related to the treatment of insomnia have been used in the last 1 month.
• No serious dysfunction of the heart, liver, kidneys or other vital organs.
• Patients volunteered to participate in this study and signed an informed consent form.

Exclusion criteria

• Irregular sleep-wake cycles in jobs with shift demands or due to inconsistent work schedules.
• Inadequately treated for another sleep disorder (e.g., sleep disorder disorders such as sleep apnea obstruction syndrome, restless leg syndrome, etc.).
• Received acupuncture or auricular pressure bean therapy within the past 3 months.
• Estimated life expectancy is ≥3 months.
• Have a history of severe allergies, especially to the drugs or treatments used in this study.
• History of severe mental illness with a current episode.
• History of substance abuse or alcohol dependence.