Study Background
Long-term use of medications like benzodiazepines for treating chronic insomnia can lead to issues such as dependence and cognitive impairment. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) may help reduce or stop these medications.
Review Results
This review included 13 randomized controlled trials. The results indicate that CBT-I assisted interventions may promote complete cessation of medications, but the evidence remains uncertain. Insomnia severity scores were lower with these interventions, although the studies were small.
Implications for Patients
For individuals suffering from chronic insomnia, this study suggests that CBT-I may have clinical value in personalized medication tapering programs. However, there is not a high certainty that it reliably improves complete medication cessation. Larger and better-standardized studies are needed.
This article is provided for information only and does not replace medical advice. For any question about your own situation, talk to your doctor.
