Effects of acupuncture on obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

Our study aimed to systematically evaluate the effect of acupuncture in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Literature search of four Chinese databases and six English databases for studies published from the inception of each database to March 1, 2022 and identify relevant studies published in Chinese or English. Related randomized controlled trials of acupuncture for the treatment of OSAHS were included to analyze the efficacy of acupuncture. Two researchers independently reviewed all of the retrieved studies to screen for eligible studies and extract the required relevant data. Included studies were subjected to a methodological quality assessment using the Cochrane Manual 5.1.0, and to a meta-analysis using Cochrane Review Manager version 5.4. A total of 19 studies with 1365 participants were examined. Compared with the control group, the apnea-hypopnea index, lowest oxygen saturation, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor α, and nuclear factor κ-B indicators all exhibited statistically significant changes. Thus, acupuncture was effective in alleviating the state of hypoxia and sleepiness and reduced the inflammatory response and disease severity among reported patients with OSAHS. Therefore, acupuncture could be widely used in the clinical treatment of OSAHS patients as a complementary strategy and warrants further study.acupuncture, complementary and alternative therapies, meta-analysis, obstructive sleep apneahypopnea syndrome, randomized controlled trials | INTRODUCTIONObstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is an increasingly prevalent disorder in which the upper airway is narrowed or closes during sleep, causing hypopnea or apnea. The pathophysiology of OSAHS is multifactorial and includes airway narrowing due to altered upper airway anatomical and functional aspects and increased pharyngeal collapse due to impairment of muscle responsiveness, arousability and respiratory drive (Rajesh et al., 2021). Recent studies have estimated that nearly 1 billion adults worldwide experience OSAHS, with approximately 42% of these individuals affected by moderate to severe OSAHS (Benjafield et al., 2019). Furthermore, about 14.5% of children with sleep-disordered breathing may have severe OSAHS (Bains et al., 2020). Patients often manifest intermittent hypoxia and excessive daytime sleepiness which can lead to fatigue, impaired attention, and an increased risk of accidents.

Efficacy of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Review

“…A recent meta-analysis, based on 19 studies involving 1365 participants, revealed statistically significant changes in various indicators, including the apnea-hypopnea index, LSpO 2 , ESS, interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) (44).…”

Acupuncture: New Uses for an Ancient Treatment or a Waste of Time? Part II

“…Another recent study looked at the effect of acupuncture in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). 22 Literature search was performed of 4 Chinese databases and 6 English databases for studies published from the inception of each database to March 1, 2022. A total of 19 studies with 1365 participants were examined.…”

Effects of acupuncture on sleep quality in patients with Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome, cancer-related insomnia) have been proven in other populations. 10,11 Although the number of reports on acupuncture improving sleep quality in Parkinson's disease patients has increased recently, there are few systematic reviews. A recent systematic review of the effects of acupuncture on non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease patients that included nine studies on sleep improvement showed that acupuncture benefited Parkinson's disease-related insomnia.…”

“…9 According to traditional Chinese medicine, this regulates Yin and Yang through acupoints located on meridians linking peripheral tissues to central organs, providing a link between local and systemic physiology. 10 The safety and efficacy of acupuncture for sleep disorders (e.g. obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome, cancer-related insomnia) have been proven in other populations.…”

“…obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome, cancer-related insomnia) have been proven in other populations. 10,11…”