Frontiers in Psychology (Sep 2024)

Effects of multisession prefrontal cortex tDCS or taVNS on stress, perceived stress and sleep quality: a double-blind, randomized controlled study

  • Laya Dalila dos Reis,
  • Laura Pereira Generoso,
  • Gabrielly Santos Pereira,
  • João Paulo da Silva Teixeira Barú,
  • Natalie Lange Candido,
  • Maria Gabriela Maziero Capello,
  • Renato Ortolani Marcondes de Castro,
  • Edvaldo José Rodrigues Cardoso,
  • Robson Dias Scoz,
  • Luciano Maia Alves Ferreira,
  • Marcelo Lourenço da Silva,
  • Josie Resende Torres da Silva

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1343413
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15

Abstract

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IntroductionChronic stress is a condition characterized by prolonged stimulation, leading to mental and physical weakness. It can have detrimental effects on individuals’ mental health and cognitive function, potentially causing various health issues. This article explores the potential of non-invasive neuromodulation techniques, specifically transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS), in managing chronic stress and improving sleep quality.MethodsThe study conducted a randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial with participants experiencing chronic stress. In total, 100 participants were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: the anodal tDCS group (n = 50), the sham tDCS group (n = 50), the taVNS group (n = 50), or the sham taVNS group (n = 50). Within each condition, participants received five sessions of either active treatment or sham treatment, with 20 min of tDCS over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (2 mA) for the tDCS groups, or taVNS on the left ear (20 Hz) for the taVNS groups. At baseline, post-intervention, and 4 weeks thereafter, we evaluated stress using the Lipp’s Inventory of Stress Symptoms for Adults (LSSI), perceived stress through the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and sleep quality via the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).ResultsThe tDCS and taVNS interventions resulted in reduced stress levels, improved sleep quality, and enhanced perception of stress.DiscussionThese findings suggest that tDCS and taVNS hold promise as effective treatments for chronic stress, offering a safe and accessible approach to improving individuals’ wellbeing and overall quality of life.Clinical trial registrationhttps://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-2ww2ts8, identifier UTN: U1111-1296-1810; Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (REBEC) RBR-2ww2ts8.

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