JAMA Intern Med
CBT improves sleep in patients with chronic disease, meta-analysis finds
Study details: This systematic review and meta-analysis included 67 randomized trials involving 5,232 adults diagnosed with chronic diseases (e.g., cancer, chronic pain, irritable bowel syndrome, stroke). The primary aim was to assess the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) at improving sleep-related outcomes across diverse populations and delivery formats.
Results: CBT-I was associated with large improvements in insomnia severity (Hedges’ g = 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81–1.16) and moderate improvements in sleep efficiency (g = 0.77; 95% CI, 0.63–0.91) and sleep onset latency (g = 0.64; 95% CI, 0.50–0.78). Longer treatment duration was linked to better outcomes. Patient satisfaction was high, with a mean dropout rate of 13.3% and few adverse effects.
Clinical impact: CBT-I is a safe, effective, and well-tolerated first-line treatment for insomnia in patients with chronic disease. Its broad applicability and sustained benefits support its use where pharmacologic options are limited or contraindicated.
Source:
Scott AJ, et al. (2025, September 22). JAMA Intern Med. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in People With Chronic Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40982264/