Introduction: The Growing Burden of Insomnia in an Aging Population
Chronic insomnia remains one of the most prevalent and debilitating health concerns among middle-aged and older adults. Characterized by persistent difficulty in falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing non-restorative sleep, the condition affects approximately 10% to 30% of the global population, with higher rates observed in geriatric cohorts. Beyond the immediate symptoms of fatigue and irritability, chronic insomnia is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, cognitive decline, and psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Currently, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is recognized globally as the first-line treatment. CBT-I is a multicomponent intervention that addresses the behavioral, cognitive, and physiological factors that perpetuate sleep disturbances. However, despite its established efficacy, CBT-I faces several barriers to widespread implementation, including a shortage of trained therapists, high costs, and varying levels of patient adherence to its rigorous behavioral requirements. Consequently, there is an urgent clinical need to identify evidence-based, accessible, and sustainable alternative therapies for long-term insomnia management.
