Researchers from the University of Hong Kong have found that practicing tai chi may help adults aged 50 and older manage chronic insomnia. Their study examined randomized trials with 200 Chinese adults diagnosed with insomnia who were not engaged in shift work.
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Participants in the study were assigned to either tai chi sessions or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is typically considered the first line of treatment for chronic insomnia due to its effectiveness and low side effects. However, the researchers noted that high costs and a shortage of available therapists can limit access to CBT.
After 15 months, the study recorded similar reductions in Insomnia Severity Index scores between the tai chi group and the CBT group. The index assesses issues such as difficulty falling asleep, waking up too early, and the overall impact on daily functioning.
The findings also suggest that both tai chi and CBT provide comparable benefits in terms of quality of life, mental health, and physical activity levels. The researchers concluded that tai chi could serve as a viable alternative for the long-term management of chronic insomnia in middle-aged and older adults. This study was published in the British Medical Journal.