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

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Daegu, Korea.
  • 2Department of Neurology, National Center for Mental Health, Seoul, Korea.
  • 3Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hosipital, Seoul, Korea. jungky10@gmail.com
  • 4Department of Neurology, Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center, Daegu, Korea.
  • 5Department of Neurology, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University Changwon Hospital, Jinju, Korea.
  • 6Department of Neurology, Hallym University College of Medicine, Gangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
  • 7Department of Neurology, Kyung Hee University Gangdong Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
  • 8Department of Neurology, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Korea.

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
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