Complementary and alternative treatments for insomnia disorder: a systematic umbrella review
Journal of Sleep Research review authors
Published in Journal of Sleep Research
Methodology
Systematic umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of complementary and alternative interventions in adults with insomnia disorder; quality appraised with AMSTAR-2 (European Insomnia Guideline supporting review).
Key Findings
Umbrella review of systematic reviews on complementary and alternative treatments for insomnia found the most consistent (though modest) evidence for mind-body approaches such as meditation, yoga and tai chi and for acupuncture; evidence for herbal products including valerian was sparse and of low quality, and reviews were frequently rated critically low on AMSTAR-2.
Conclusions
Evidence on the efficacy of some intervention types is sparse and there is a need for high-quality original studies.
Limitations
Reviews rather than primary trials; substantial overlap of included studies; predominance of low-quality primary evidence, small samples and subjective sleep outcomes; heterogeneity prevented pooled effect estimates.
Supplements Studied
Light exposure and valerian did not significantly improve sleep outcomes.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
European Sleep Research Society (guideline development support)
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