Efficacy of Wrist Acupressure Band on Sleep Quality in Medical Trainees

American University of Beirut Medical Center

Status: Invitation-only

Conditions: Anxiety; SLEEP DISTURBANCES Nec in ICD9CM; Sleep

Treatments: Device: Wrist band acupressure application to sham point; Device: Wrist band acupressure application to P6 point

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06978855

SBS-2024-0323

Details and patient eligibility

About

Background: Medical trainees frequently experience sleep disturbances, with shift work being a major contributing factor impacting their performance and overall wellbeing. Traditional treatments for sleep disorders often involve medications and hypnotics with potential side effects, highlighting the need for alternative strategies. Acupressure, particularly at the P6 (Neiguan) point, has shown promise in improving sleep and reducing anxiety.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of wristband acupressure applied to the P6 point in improving sleep quality, anxiety levels, and overall well-being among medical trainees.

Methods: A single-blinded, cross-over randomized controlled trial was conducted at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC), involving 10 medical trainees. Participants were randomized in blocks to either the intervention group, receiving wristband acupressure at the P6 point, or the control group, receiving acupressure at a sham point. Standardized, validated questionnaires were used to assess sleep quality (PSQI), anxiety (GAD-7), and well-being (WHO-5) before and after each intervention period. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board, and participant confidentiality was maintained

Enrollment: 50 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Residents, Fellows and Med-4 students at AUB.

Exclusion criteria

• Being enrolled in another sleep study
• Currently on Sleep Medications: Benzodiazepines, antihistamines, muscle relaxants, magnesium supplements, herbal supplements that help with sleep including Chamomile, Ashwaghanda and Melatonin
• Daily alcohol consumers

Trial design

Primary purpose: Device Feasibility

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Crossover Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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50 participants in 2 patient groups

intervention

Experimental group

Description:

this group will be assigned to apply the wrist band at the intervention acupressure point studied

Treatment:

Device: Wrist band acupressure application to P6 point

control

Sham Comparator group

Description:

this group will be assigned to apply the wrist band to a sham point

Treatment:

Device: Wrist band acupressure application to sham point