Electroacupuncture may help people with chronic insomnia safely stop non-benzodiazepine sleep medicines while supporting sleep during gradual medication reduction.
This single-blind randomized controlled trial assigns adults with chronic insomnia who have used non-benzodiazepine sleep medicines long term to either electroacupuncture or non-penetrating sham treatment. Both groups follow the same gradual medication-reduction schedule and receive sleep-hygiene education, while sleep, daytime functioning, medication discontinuation, and adverse events are assessed using questionnaires, laboratory sleep monitoring, and wearable sleep tracking.
The study evaluates whether electroacupuncture improves successful discontinuation of sleep medicines compared with sham treatment, while also examining changes in subjective and objectively measured sleep, daytime functioning, and safety. Its central contribution is testing a non-drug approach intended to support medication withdrawal without compromising insomnia management.
