J Sleep Med.  2018 Dec;15(2):37-42. 10.13078/jsm.18002.

Effects of Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation Therapy on Primary Chronic Insomnia: A Proof-of Concept Clinical Trial

• Jun JS
• Kim TJ
• Koo SA
• Park JS
• Kim KT
• Yang TW
• Lim JA
• Byun JI
• Sunwoo JS
• Jung KY

• KMID: 2434744
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.13078/jsm.18002

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.

Keyword

Primary chronic insomnia; Transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS); Non-pharmacological treatment

MeSH Terms

Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Outcome Assessment (Health Care)
Pruritus
Sensation
Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders*
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation