Groundbreaking research from Hong Kong suggests the ancient Chinese martial art of Tai Chi could provide more effective long-term relief for insomnia than the cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) currently recommended by the NHS.
The Sleep Study Breakdown
Scientists at the University of Hong Kong conducted a comprehensive study involving 200 adults aged 50 or over who suffered from chronic insomnia. Participants were divided into two groups, with one undertaking Tai Chi and the other receiving CBT.
Both groups attended one-hour sessions twice weekly for approximately three months, totalling 24 sessions. Researchers carefully selected participants who were free from other chronic conditions affecting sleep and hadn't previously received CBT treatment.
Surprising Long-Term Results
Initially, CBT appeared more effective. After three months, the CBT group showed an 11.19 point reduction on the insomnia severity index compared to a 6.67 point reduction in the Tai Chi group.
However, the long-term findings told a different story. When researchers followed up after 15 months, the reductions in insomnia severity stood at 9.51 points for Tai Chi and 10.18 points for CBT, demonstrating that Tai Chi had caught up and nearly matched the gold standard treatment.
Beyond Better Sleep
The benefits of Tai Chi extended far beyond improved sleep patterns. Researchers found the ancient practice also boosted patients' quality of life, mental health and physical activity levels to a comparable degree as CBT.
Published in the BMJ medical journal, the study authors stated their findings 'support the use of tai chi as an alternative approach for the long-term management of chronic insomnia in middle-aged and older adults'.
The researchers acknowledged that some participants might have continued practising Tai Chi after the study period, potentially influencing results. Nevertheless, they concluded that Tai chi can lead to substantial improvements in insomnia severity and its long-term efficacy is non-inferior to CBT.
This research comes at a crucial time, as a recent poll by The Sleep Charity revealed approximately one in six Brits suffer from insomnia, with 65% never seeking help for their sleep problems. Poor sleep has been linked to serious health conditions including cancer, stroke and infertility.
While experts emphasize that further research remains essential, these findings could help doctors provide more comprehensive treatment advice to the millions struggling with chronic sleep issues.
