Theta-Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) to enhance sleep and mood symptoms in insomnia disorder: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Parallel-Group, Sham-Controlled Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Psychology, Ard.C., Islamic Azad University, Ardabil, Iran

2 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran

10.22098/jrp.2026.18327.1333

Abstract

This research investigated whether transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), could help reduce symptoms of insomnia. 30 individuals diagnosed with insomnia (from various psychiatric clinics in Ahvaz, Iran) were assigned to two groups: 15 in the real stimulation group and 15 in the sham stimulation group. They received transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) at theta frequency targeting anode placed at F3 and the cathode at F4 for 10 consecutive days. All participants were evaluated before and after the intervention using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), as well as the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). The results of the mixed model ANOVA indicated a significant difference between the Active tACS group and the sham tACS group regarding the reduction of insomnia severity (P<001). Additionally, a significant difference in the reduction of depression was observed between the two groups (P<006), while no significant difference in anxiety was found (P>419). Real tACS demonstrated greater efficacy compared to sham tACS in improving symptoms of insomnia as well as depression. The results indicate that the tACS (targeting the DLPFC) used in this study has the potential to serve as an effective and safe intervention for chronic insomnia over the course of 10 sessions.

Keywords

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics