Acupuncture helps post-stroke insomnia and may be more effective than drugs, according to a systematic review by Chinese authors. Their meta-analysis included 41 trials and 3263 patients. Compared with drug therapy, acupuncture was associated with greater improvements in sleep, and a better sleep index score, both immediately and three months after treatment. Side effects for acupuncture were minor and rarely reported.
The authors conclude that the evidence suggests acupuncture may be more effective in treating post-stroke insomnia than drugs. It also appears to have a good safety profile and more long-term benefits.
(Acupuncture treatment for post-stroke insomnia: A systematic review & meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, August 2021.)