Chronic insomnia affects millions of middle-aged and older adults worldwide, often resulting in years of sleepless nights. A recent study conducted by researchers at Hong Kong University suggests that practicing tai chi may improve sleep quality over the long term, potentially matching the effectiveness of the standard treatment for insomnia, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I).
The study involved 200 ethnic-Chinese adults aged 50 and above, all diagnosed with chronic insomnia. Participants were divided into two groups, with one receiving 24 one-hour sessions of CBT-I and the other participating in the 24-form Yang style of tai chi. Both groups attended sessions twice a week for three months. Results were measured using the Insomnia Severity Index, a standardized seven-question tool.
Initially, those in the CBT-I group reported a more significant reduction in insomnia symptoms compared to their tai chi counterparts. However, after 15 months, the tai chi group showed notable improvements in sleep quality, duration, mental health, and overall quality of life, aligning closely with the CBT-I group.
Interestingly, among the 85 tai chi participants who returned for the follow-up, 31 continued practicing tai chi, albeit at a reduced frequency. In contrast, only 13 of the 82 CBT participants reported using the skills gained during their sessions in the months following the intervention. This indicates that the accessibility of tai chi may contribute to its long-term effectiveness as a sleep aid.
Chronic insomnia can lead to severe health issues, including increased risks of cardiovascular disease and cognitive impairment. While CBT-I is a proven treatment with minimal side effects, access can be challenging due to a shortage of trained therapists and the potential costs involved.
This study suggests that tai chi may serve as an effective supplement to existing sleep treatments. The authors note, “This finding supports the use of tai chi as an alternative approach for the long-term management of chronic insomnia in middle-aged and older adults.”
The research highlights the additional health benefits associated with tai chi, reinforcing its value beyond sleep improvement. The findings were published in the esteemed journal BMJ, offering a new perspective on managing a prevalent health issue.
