Objective To observe the clinical effect of"Yinqi Guiyuan"needling in the treatment of primary insomnia.MethodsA total of 79 primary insomnia outpatients were randomly divided into treatment group(n=40)and control group(n=39). The patients in the control group were given oral Estazolam tablets once a day

for successive 4 weeks. For patients of the treatment group

Zhongwan(CV12)

Xiawan(CV10)

Qihai(CV6)

Guanyuan(CV4)

Baihui(GV20)

etc.

were punctured with filiform needles for 30 min. The treatment was conducted three times per week for 4 successive weeks. The sleep quality(sleeping quality

falling asleep time

sleep duration

sleep efficiency

sleep disorders

hypnotic and daytime dysfunction

0 to 21 points) was evaluated by using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI). The severity of insomnia(self-perception

sleep satisfaction

daytime function damage

sensibility change

and concern for sleep problems

0 to 28 points)was assessed using insomnia severity index(ISI)score. The therapeutic effect was evaluated according to the PSQI score reduction rate =(pre-treatment PSQI score—post-treatment PSQI score)/pre-treatment PSQI score ×100%.ResultsAfter treatment

the total score of PSQI

ISI and the score of each item were all significantly reduced in the two groups relevant to their own pre-treatment(P<0. 05). The total score

and scores of hypnotic and daytime dysfunction were significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group(P<0. 05). Of the 40 and 39 cases in the treatment and control groups

5(12. 50%)and 4(10. 25%)were cured

20(50. 00%)and 18(46. 15%)experienced marked improvement

12(30. 00%)and 13(33. 33%)were effective

and 3(7. 50%)and 4(10. 25%)ineffective

with the total effective rate being 92. 50% and 89. 74%

respectively. No significant difference was found between the two groups in the effective rate(P>0. 05).Conclusion"Yinqi Guiyuan"needling and Estazolam are comparable in treatment primary insomnia

and the former is superior to the latter in avoiding hypnotic drug use and in improving daytime function.