To observe the effects of electro-nape-acupuncture (ENA) on the autonomous activity and morphological changes of neurons in hippocampal CA1 area and dentate gyrus in rats with chronic sleep deprivation (CSD). Methods：Twenty-four Wistar rats were randomly divided into the tank control (TC) group, model (M) group, and electro-nape-acupuncture (ENA) group, with 8 rats per group. The CSD model was established by the multi-platform water environment method. ENA group rats were treated by electro-acupuncture to the Fengchi and Gongxue acupoints on both sides of the neck; treatment began 21 days after modeling and continued for 14 days at 20 min/session. The rats were weighed weekly, and the difference was calculated. After 14 days of treatment, the exploratory behavior of rats was evaluated by the open field test. The morphological changes of neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region and dentate gyrus were observed by HE staining. Results：After modeling, rats in the M group and ENA group showed significant weight loss compared with those in the TC group; their weight gradually in- creased after intervention, and the weight gain in the ENA group was significantly greater than that in the M group (P<0.01). The open field test data showed that, after 14 days of intervention rats in the M group spent a longer time in the center zone and were demonstrated a reduced walking distance and movement speed, compared with those in the TC group (P<0.01). Compared with those in the M group, rats in ENA group spent a shorter time in the center zone and showed an increased walking distance and movement speed (P<0.05). HE staining revealed orderly arranged neurons with intact capsules and uniform staining in the hippocampal CA1 and dentate gyrus of the TC group. In the M group, the number of pyramidal and granular cells was decreased, and some showed swelling and necrosis. In the ENA group, the number of neurons increased, and the swelling diminished or disappeared. Conclusion：ENA can significantly improve the autonomous activity of rats with CSD and protect the injured neurons in the hippocampal CA1 area and dentate gyrus.