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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in the Context of Cardiovascular Conditions
Samantha Conley1, Nancy S Redeker2
1Yale School of Nursing, Samantha.conley@yale.edu , 203-785-6437.
Insights
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) shows promise in improving cardiovascular health by positively impacting sleep, biomarkers, and quality of life for individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Further research is needed to optimize its application.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sleep Medicine
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading global cause of mortality and morbidity.
- Insomnia is highly prevalent in individuals with CVD, impacting their quality of life.
- The effects of insomnia treatments on CVD outcomes are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) effects in patients with CVD.
- To examine CBT-I's impact on sleep, biological markers, symptoms, function, and quality of life.
- To suggest future research and clinical practice implications.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies examining CBT-I in the context of CVD.
- Analysis of effects on sleep parameters, cardiovascular biomarkers, and patient-reported outcomes.
- Synthesis of findings to identify research gaps and clinical implications.
Main Results:
- Limited evidence suggests CBT-I improves biomarkers associated with CVD risk.
- CBT-I demonstrates potential in enhancing cardiovascular health by addressing chronic insomnia's negative biological effects.
- Improvements were noted in symptom burden, functional performance, and quality of life.
Conclusions:
- CBT-I holds promise for managing insomnia in CVD patients, potentially reducing cardiovascular morbidity.
- Further research is essential to determine long-term outcomes, the role of biomarkers, and optimal delivery methods for CBT-I in cardiac conditions.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide and is associated with high levels of morbidity, disability and poor quality of life. The prevalence of insomnia symptoms and diagnosis of insomnia are high among those with CVD. Although insomnia appears to be important to CVD, less is known about the effects of insomnia treatment on important biological, sleep, symptom, quality of life, functional and morbidity or mortality outcomes in people with or at-risk for CVD. The purposes of this paper are to review the literature on the effects of CBT-I on insomnia, sleep, daytime symptoms, function, and biological outcomes in the context of CVD and to suggest implications for future research and practice. Limited available evidence suggests that CBT-I improves biomarkers that may contribute to CVD risk. CBT-I shows promise as a way to improve cardiovascular morbidity associated with the negative biological consequences of chronic insomnia, as well as symptom burden, functional performance and quality of life in the large population of people who are living with chronic CVD and insomnia. Additional research is needed to answer basic questions about short and long term outcomes, the role of biomarkers, and optimal delivery methods of CBT-I in cardiac conditions.
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