Objective To observe the therapeutic effect of scalp-acupoint catgut embedding in the treatment of insomnia.Methods Sixty-four insomniacs were randomly divided into catgut embedding group(n=33) and routine acupuncture group(n=31).Baihui(GV 20)

Shenting(GV 24) and bilateral Fengchi(GB 20) were selected for subcutaneous embedding of catgut

once a week for 4 weeks.GV 20

GV 24

bilateral GB 20

bilateral Shenmen(HT 7)

bilateral Neiguan(PC 6) and bila-teral Sanyinjiao(SP 6) were punctured with filiform needles for patients of the acupuncture group.The treatment was performed once every other day

3 times a week for 4 weeks.The therapeutic effect was evaluated by using International Unified Sleep Efficiency Value and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI).Results After the treatment

the falling asleep latency and PSQI scores of both catgut embedding and routine acupuncture groups were decreased significantly(P<0.01) while the sleep duration and sleep efficiency increased considerably(P<0.01) in comparison with pre-treatment.The effect of catgut embedding was obviously better than that of routine acupuncture in prolonging sleep duration and improving sleep efficiency(P<0.05).No significant differences were found between the two groups in the falling asleep latency and the PSQI scores(P>0.05).Conclusion Both routine acupuncture and scalp-acupoint catgut embedding interventions can effectively reduce falling asleep latency and prolong sleep duration.The therapeutic effect of scalp-acupoint catgut embedding is relatively better in improving sleep duration and sleep efficiency.