Non-pharmacological therapeutic approaches for the treatment of insomnia: An integrative review

Abstract

The advances made in medicine, through studies and research, can offer more and more effective treatments for various types of illness, both with the use of drugs and non-pharmacological treatments. With regard to insomnia, a disease characterized by difficulty sleeping and loss of circadian cycle quality, for a long time it was treated, in most cases, only with the use of drugs that remedied this condition, but did not act on the core of the disease and the real cause, only alleviating the symptoms. In addition, many drugs for the treatment of insomnia are addictive, leading patients to use them constantly. The integrative review aimed to identify non-pharmacological treatment for insomnia, pointing out various methods used with patients, analyzing the treatment process, efficacy, clinical applicability and safety. Trustworthy and credible websites such as PubMed, LILACS and VHL were used to collect data and research sources, using the descriptors "Sleep Onset and Maintenance Disorder and Non-Pharmacological". In this way, relevant data, experiences and evidence were obtained for the analysis of non-pharmacological treatments for insomnia, among the various methods found. In conclusion, non-pharmacological therapeutic approaches represent a vital component in the treatment of insomnia, offering substantial benefits without the risks associated with prolonged use of medication. Their incorporation as part of an integrated and personalized treatment plan can significantly improve the quality of life of individuals affected by insomnia.