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NCT Number: NCT06978855

Efficacy of Wrist Acupressure Band on Sleep Quality in Medical Trainees

Background: Medical trainees frequently experience sleep disturbances, with shift work being a major contributing factor impacting their performance and overall wellbeing. Traditional treatments for sleep disorders often involve medications and hypnotics with potential side effects, highlighting the need for alternative strategies. Acupressure, particularly at the P6 (Neiguan) point, has shown promise in improving sleep and reducing anxiety.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of wristband acupressure applied to the P6 point in improving sleep quality, anxiety levels, and overall well-being among medical trainees.

Methods: A single-blinded, cross-over randomized controlled trial was conducted at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC), involving 10 medical trainees. Participants were randomized in blocks to either the intervention group, receiving wristband acupressure at the P6 point, or the control group, receiving acupressure at a sham point. Standardized, validated questionnaires were used to assess sleep quality (PSQI), anxiety (GAD-7), and well-being (WHO-5) before and after each intervention period. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board, and participant confidentiality was maintained

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Key information

Conditions

Sleep Anxiety Anxiety Disorders Mental Disorders SLEEP DISTURBANCES Nec in ICD9CM

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

American university of Beirut

Beirut, Lebanon

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Residents, Fellows and Med-4 students at AUB.

Exclusion criteria

  • Being enrolled in another sleep study
  • Currently on Sleep Medications: Benzodiazepines, antihistamines, muscle relaxants, magnesium supplements, herbal supplements that help with sleep including Chamomile, Ashwaghanda and Melatonin
  • Daily alcohol consumers

Treatment and study plan

Wrist band acupressure application to P6 point

Device

The intervention group received standardized instructions for applying the wristband to the P6 acupressure point on their wrist, with daily application scheduled from 8 pm to 8 am. Those who have night shifts will be asked to apply the wrist band for 12 hours after the end of their shift the intervention was applied for 30 days.

At the end of the first phase the participants will be asked to avoid applying the wrist band for 7 days, to allow a washout period before crossing over.

Wrist band acupressure application to sham point

Device

the control group will receive standardized instructions to apply the wristband to a sham point, with daily application from 8 pm to 8 am. Those who have night shifts will be asked to apply the wrist band for 12 hours after the end of their shift. This will occur for 30 days. At the end of the first phase the participants will be asked to avoid applying the wrist band for 7 days, to allow a washout period before crossing over.

Primary outcomes

  1. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index

    Time frame: 1 month

    Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score, ranging from 0 to 21. Higher scores indicate worse sleep quality.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7

    Time frame: 1 month

    Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7): Scores range from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating greater severity of anxiety symptoms.

  2. World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5)

    Time frame: 1 month

    World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5): Raw scores range from 0 to 25 and are multiplied by 4 to give a percentage score from 0 to 100. Higher scores indicate better well-being.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

American University of Beirut Medical Center

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Efficacy of Wrist Acupressure Band on Sleep Quality in Medical Trainees: A Single-Blinded Cross-Over Randomized Clinical Trial

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
May 18, 2025
Registry last updated
May 22, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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