Effectiveness of reflexotherapy in the treatment of sleep disorders in patients in the acute period of ischemic stroke

Introduction. Sleep disturbances represent one of the factors that reduce the likelihood of successful rehabilitation in patients during the acute phase of stroke. Objective: To study the structure of sleep disorders in patients during the acute phase of ischemic stroke and to evaluate the effectiveness of reflexotherapy compared to pharmacological treatment.

Material and Methods. The Group 1 (n=20) received phenazepam 500 µg before bedtime; the second group (n=20) underwent acupuncture therapy (points from the Heart, Pericardium, Liver, Kidney, Spleen, Stomach, and auricular meridians were used); and the third group (n=20) received a combination of phenazepam and acupuncture.

Results. Among 60 patients reporting sleep disturbances, the most common complaint was frequent nocturnal awakenings — 32 (53.3%) patients, followed by difficulty falling asleep — 19 (31.7%), early morning awakening with poor sleep quality — 14 (23.3%), snoring — 15 (25.0%), and daytime sleepiness — 5 (8.3%). All patients exhibited moderate sleep disturbances (12–18 points on the Spiegel scale), with a mean score of 16.1±0.56 (16.1±0.52 in Group 1, 16.3±0.50 in Group 2, and 16.9±0.61 in Group 3). After 15 days, all three groups reported subjective improvement in well-being and normalization or significant improvement in sleep quality. The total sleep quality score increased to 20.2±0.56 (p<0.05) in Group 1, 20.67±0.61 (p><0.01) in Group 2, and reached 21.67±0.61 in Group 3, indicating the most pronounced positive dynamics (p><0.001). Conclusion. The inclusion of reflexotherapy methods demonstrated high efficacy in treating sleep disorders, comparable to the effects of sedative medications.> <0.05) in Group 1, 20.67±0.61 (p<0.01) in Group 2, and reached 21.67±0.61 in Group 3, indicating the most pronounced positive dynamics (p <0.001).

Conclusion. The inclusion of reflexotherapy methods demonstrated high efficacy in treating sleep disorders, comparable to the effects of sedative medications.

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