Abstract

PASSOS, Giselle Soares et al. Nonpharmacologic treatment of chronic insomnia. Rev. Bras. Psiquiatr. [online]. 2007, vol.29, n.3, pp. 279-282.  Epub May 22, 2007. ISSN 1516-4446.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1516-44462006005000045.

The purpose of this manuscript is to briefly describe the main modalities of non-pharmacological therapy and its utilization on the chronic insomnia treatment. Insomnia is the most frequent sleep disorder and that is more associated with psychiatry disorders. The pharmacotherapy is the most frequent treatment, but the nonpharmacologic therapy has been studied. The most common therapy modalities include behavioral approaches, stimulus control, sleep restriction, paradoxical intention, sleep hygiene, progressive muscle relaxation and biofeedback and, more recently, physical exercise practices. At first behavioral therapy aimed to improve sleep quality, however, recent studies have been emphasizing the effect of behavioral and cognitive approaches on quality of life, on decrease of dosage and frequency of drugs intake. Since insomnia is a chronic condition, long-term and safe treatments are warranted.

Keywords : Sleep initiation and maintenance disorders; Sleep; Chronic disease; Treatment; Behavior therapy.