Effects of Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation Therapy on Primary Chronic Insomnia: A Proof-of Concept Clinical Trial
- Author:
Jin Sun JUN
1
;
Tae Joon KIM
;
Sun A KOO
;
Ji Sook PARK
;
Keun Tae KIM
;
Tae Won YANG
;
Jung Ah LIM
;
Jung Ick BYUN
;
Jun Sang SUNWOO
;
Ki Young JUNG
Author Information
- Publication Type:Clinical Trial
- Keywords: Primary chronic insomnia; Transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS); Non-pharmacological treatment
- MeSH: Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Outcome Assessment (Health Care); Pruritus; Sensation; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders; Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
- From:Journal of Sleep Medicine 2018;15(2):37-42
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
- Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect and safety of transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) in primary chronic insomnia. METHODS: A one-month, double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial was performed. A total of 7 patients with primary chronic insomnia received tDCS using anodal (n=3), cathodal (n=2), or sham stimulation (n=2). They were followed up at 1 week and 1 month after treatment. The primary outcome measures included improvement in total sleep time (TST), sleep latency (SL), and sleep efficiency (SE) at 1 month follow-up. RESULTS: TST and SE were improved with tDCS at 1 month follow-up in all patients (100%) of the anodal group, one (50%) of the cathodal group, and one (50%) of the sham group. tDCS improved SL at 1 month follow-up in two patients (67%) of the anodal group, one (50%) of the cathodal group, and none (0%) of the sham group. With respect to adverse events, transient itching sensation occurred in one patient of the anodal group. None of the other groups reported adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that tDCS may be effective and safe for treatment of primary chronic insomnia. A larger controlled study needs to be further investigated.
