Effect of Transcutaneous Auricular Electroacupuncture on Sleep Disturbances in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial

Treatment using the Huatuo electronic acupuncture device (model SDZ-IIB) with electrodes placed on the auricular points related to the heart and kidney. Pulsed wave type is sparse-dense wave, with a frequency of 20Hz and intensity set to the highest level tolerable without pain. Patients will perform self-treatment at home for 30 minutes, twice daily, for 5 days a week over 4 weeks.

Treatment using the same Huatuo electronic acupuncture device with electrodes placed on different ear points (over the ear helix). The device settings (pulse type, frequency, intensity) are the same as the experimental group but do not correspond to traditional acupuncture points. Patients will also perform self-treatment at home as per the same schedule as the experimental group.