A randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of electrical vestibular nerve stimulation (VeNS), compared to a sham control for the management of sleep in young adults.
Sai Sailesh Kumar Goothy, Rajagopalan Vijayaraghavan, Hirok Chakraborty
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Objectives: Preliminary research suggests that electrical vestibular nerve stimulation (VeNS) may improve sleep outcomes by influencing the hypothalamus and brainstem nuclei involved in regulating the circadian rhythm and wakefulness. This randomised, sham-controlled trial aimed to assess the effectiveness of VeNS on insomnia in young adults.
Methods: Eighty adults aged 18-24 years were randomly allocated to the intervention (n=40) and control groups (n=40). The intervention group was provided with 30 min per day of VeNS with five sessions weekly for four weeks, while the control group received sham stimulation for the same period. Baseline Insomnia Sleep Index (ISI) scores were recorded weekly. At baseline and at day 28, questionnaires to evaluate emotional states of depression, anxiety and stress, and quality of life (QoL) were completed. The primary outcome was change in ISI with comparison between baseline and day 28.
Results: The VeNS group significantly reduced their mean ISI score after 7 days usage (p<0.001). At day 28 it was found that mean ISI scores had reduced from 19 to 11 in the VeNS group, and from 19 to 18 in the sham group, and the difference between the groups was significant (p<0.001). Moreover, application of VeNS appeared to significantly improve emotional state and QoL outcomes.
Conclusions: This trial demonstrates that regular VeNS usage over four weeks leads to a clinically meaningful decrease in ISI scores in young adults with insomnia. VeNS may have potential as a drug-free and non-invasive therapy to improve sleep outcomes by positively influencing the hypothalamic and brainstem nuclei.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology (JBCPP) is a peer-reviewed bi-monthly published journal in experimental medicine. JBCPP publishes novel research in the physiological and pharmacological sciences, including brain research; cardiovascular-pulmonary interactions; exercise; thermal control; haematology; immune response; inflammation; metabolism; oxidative stress; and phytotherapy. As the borders between physiology, pharmacology and biochemistry become increasingly blurred, we also welcome papers using cutting-edge techniques in cellular and/or molecular biology to link descriptive or behavioral studies with cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the integrative processes. Topics: Behavior and Neuroprotection, Reproduction, Genotoxicity and Cytotoxicity, Vascular Conditions, Cardiovascular Function, Cardiovascular-Pulmonary Interactions, Oxidative Stress, Metabolism, Immune Response, Hematological Profile, Inflammation, Infection, Phytotherapy.