Neurobiological mechanisms of acupuncture for post-ischemic stroke comorbid insomnia and cognitive impairment: a narrative review

This narrative review systematically synthesizes recent clinical and pre-clinical evidence to elucidate the latest neurobiological mechanisms underlying acupuncture for post-stroke insomnia combined with cognitive impairment (PS-ICI). PS-ICI is characterized pathologically by a hippocampal–prefrontal circuitry-mediate “sleep–cognition vicious cycle” and clinically by concurrent cognitive decline and sleep-architecture disruption, both of which markedly impede post-stroke neurological recovery. Grounded in the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principle of “regulating Shen and re-animating the brain, “acupuncture exerts bidirectional modulation on cognition and sleep, significantly improving core functional outcomes and activities of daily living. Up-to-date studies confirm that synergistic, multi-dimensional effects are achieved through regulation of the BDNF–TrkB–PI3K/Akt signaling axis, preservation of neurovascular unit integrity, restoration of gut–brain axis homeostasis, normalization of circadian immune rhythms, and reshaping of default-mode network (DMN) plasticity. Given the high heterogeneity of included studies, a qualitative integrative approach was employed. Current evidence is nevertheless limited by small sample sizes, short follow-up durations, and substantial heterogeneity in acupuncture parameters (frequency and point selection); future work must therefore focus on dissecting inter-pathway interactions, standardizing therapeutic protocols, and integrating multi-omic technologies to propel acupuncture toward precision, evidence-based management of PS-ICI.