Efficacy of Wrist Acupressure Band on Sleep Quality in Medical Trainees

NCT06978855 | Enrolling By Invitation DMC

• 1 other identifier: SBS-2024-0323
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 50
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

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

Conditions

Sleep; SLEEP DISTURBANCES Nec in ICD9CM; Anxiety

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index

  Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score, ranging from 0 to 21. Higher scores indicate worse sleep quality.

  1 month

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7

  1 month

• World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5)

  1 month

Study Arms (2)

intervention

EXPERIMENTAL

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

Device: Wrist band acupressure application to P6 point

control

SHAM COMPARATOR

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

Device: Wrist band acupressure application to sham point

Interventions

Wrist band acupressure application to P6 point DEVICE

The intervention group received standardized instructions for applying the wristband to the P6 acupressure point on their wrist, with daily application scheduled from 8 pm to 8 am. Those who have night shifts will be asked to apply the wrist band for 12 hours after the end of their shift the intervention was applied for 30 days. At the end of the first phase the participants will be asked to avoid applying the wrist band for 7 days, to allow a washout period before crossing over.

intervention

Wrist band acupressure application to sham point DEVICE

the control group will receive standardized instructions to apply the wristband to a sham point, with daily application from 8 pm to 8 am. Those who have night shifts will be asked to apply the wrist band for 12 hours after the end of their shift. This will occur for 30 days. At the end of the first phase the participants will be asked to avoid applying the wrist band for 7 days, to allow a washout period before crossing over.

control

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Residents, Fellows and Med-4 students at AUB.

You may not qualify if:

• 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

Sponsors & Collaborators

• American University of Beirut Medical Center: lead

Study Sites (1)

American university of Beirut

Beirut, Beyrouth, Lebanon

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Anxiety Disorders

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Mental Disorders

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT
• Purpose: DEVICE FEASIBILITY
• Intervention Model: CROSSOVER
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Clinical Assistant Professor of Family Medicine

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 16, 2025
• First Posted: May 18, 2025
• Study Start: February 11, 2025
• Primary Completion: August 30, 2025
• Study Completion: December 30, 2025
• Last Updated: May 22, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-05

Locations

LE (1)