Sleep for people with chronic pain improved by cognitive behavioural therapy

People experiencing chronic pain because of conditions such as arthritis could enjoy better sleep after cognitive behavioural therapy training, experts outline in the medical journal, Sleep.

Cognitive behavioural therapy is a talking therapy that encourages people to change the way they think and behave in order to manage their problems.

In the first ever analysis of the effects of non-drug treatments for sleeplessness, the team looked at 72 studies involving a total of 1,066 people aged 45 years to 61 years who suffered from insomnia and pain caused by arthritis, cancer and headaches. They found that cognitive behavioural therapy:
• Improved sleep for people in chronic pain;
• Had a positive impact on pain, fatigue and depression;
• Was most effective in person rather than online or over the telephone.

“This study is particularly important because the use of drugs to treat insomnia is not recommended over a long period of time, therefore the condition needs to be addressed using a non-pharmacological treatment,” explains Dr Nicole Tang, who led the work.

For more in-depth features, interviews and information, subscribe to Arthritis Digest magazine, a popular title that’s published six times a year. Click here for the digital version or tel 0845 643 8470 to order your had copy. You’ll know what your doctor is talking about, what new drugs are in the pipeline and be up to date on helpful products

Image credit: Benjamin Watson