Electric neurostimulation in sleep disorders - yesterday and today. A comparative analysis of historical and contemporary case reports and clinical studies

Insomnia is a widespread symptom of many psychiatric and neurological disorders, but can also be a clinically relevant disorder of its own. The application of low-dose electricity as a treatment for both has had a long history, dating back to the 19th century, but has seen somewhat of a renaissance in therapies such as tDCS. The aim of this publication was to identify and present original works from the second half of the 19th century as well as contemporary studies that investigated the therapeutic value of electricity in treating sleep disorders. While the nine historical sources identified mostly presented impressive successes in treatment, the nine modern publications had much more heterogeneous and moderate results. The discussion of these differences refers to the scientific discourse of the late 19th century about the placebo-effect and the role of suggestibility in the therapeutic process and outcome. In conclusion profound parallels can be seen between treatment innovations and methodological discussions in the 1880–1890s and nowadays.