Ear acupressure may offer Drug-Free sleep relief for menopausal women
NCT ID NCT07708324
First seen Jul 16, 2026 · Last updated Jul 17, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial investigates whether auricular acupressure—applying small seeds to pressure points on the ear—can safely improve sleep in women aged 40 to 55 who have insomnia during perimenopause. Participants will receive either real acupressure or a sham version, and sleep quality will be measured using questionnaires and sleep diaries. The goal is to find a non-drug alternative that avoids the risks of hormone therapy or sleeping pills.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- auricular acupressure using adhesive plasters containing Vaccaria seeds
- What this could lead to
- If effective, this could offer a safe, non-drug option for improving sleep in women with perimenopausal insomnia, avoiding risks linked to hormone therapy or sedatives.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with 98 participants, and the sham control may reveal only a modest benefit. Results may not apply to all women or confirm long-term safety.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 98 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Jul 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Aug 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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40 to 55 years
- Sex
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Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Female, aged 40-55 years. * Meets the STRAW criteria for perimenopause. * Meets DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for insomnia disorder. * Insomnia symptoms have persisted for at least 4 weeks. * Has not used insomnia medication or has received a stable dose for at least 2 months. * Has not previously received auricular acupressure. * Able to comply with study procedures. * Provides written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy or lactation. * Premature ovarian insufficiency. * Surgical menopause. * Insomnia secondary to neurological disease. * Major psychiatric disorders. * Alcohol or substance abuse. * Skin infection at auricular sites. * Participation in another clinical trial within the previous 3 months. * Chronic pain disorders affecting sleep.
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As listed by the trial registrant
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How to take part
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The official record
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