A Clinical Case Study on the Effects of Acupuncture Therapy and Ecklonia Cava Extract on Sleep Disturbances in ALS Patients

Abstract

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to observe the clinical effects of acupuncture therapy and Ecklonia cava extract on sleep disturbance in ALS patients. Methods : In this study one patient received acupuncture therapy and took Ecklonia cava extract. The effects of the combined administration of these treatments were evaluated using Numeric Rating Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Results : The NRS score for sleep disturbance decreased from 10 to 1 and the PSQI score decreased from between 12∼13 to 8. After treatment, the patient stopped taking sleeping pills and antidepressant. Conclusions : Combined administration of acupuncture therapy and Ecklonia cava extract could be effective in improving sleep disturbances in ALS patient.