Ear freezing therapy tested for insomnia – does it work?
NCT ID NCT04471168
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested a technique called cryo-auriculotherapy, where a device freezes specific spots on the ear, to see if it helps people with chronic insomnia. Sixty-five adults with moderate to severe insomnia received either real or sham (fake) treatments over three months. The main goal was to see if the real treatment led to a bigger drop in insomnia scores compared to the sham.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
cryo-auriculotherapy (ear freezing device)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a non-drug option for managing chronic insomnia.
What could go wrong
This is a small, completed trial with only 65 participants. The improvement measured is modest (3-point drop on a sleep scale), and the sham group also received a procedure, so the real benefit may be small or due to placebo.
Disclaimer
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the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Cabinet Médical Nouvelle France
Le Chesnay, Yvelines, 78158, France
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Cabinet de l'Olivier
Montigny-le-Bretonneux, Yvelines, 78423, France
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Espace Santé Simone Veil
Issy-les-Moulineaux, Hauts de Seine, 97132, France
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Hopital Foch
Suresnes, 92150, France