From the Guidelines
Contrast showers are not a recommended treatment for insomnia based on the latest evidence from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine 1. The current guidelines suggest that cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the most effective treatment for chronic insomnia disorder, with a strong recommendation for its use 1. Other behavioral and psychological treatments, such as brief therapies for insomnia (BTIs), sleep restriction therapy, stimulus control, and relaxation therapy, may also be useful, but the evidence for these treatments is not as strong as it is for CBT-I 1. Some key points to consider when treating insomnia include:
- CBT-I is a multicomponent intervention that typically includes sleep restriction therapy, stimulus control, and cognitive therapy 1
- The delivery method for CBT-I can vary, including in-person, group, and internet-based delivery, and the choice of delivery method should be based on the patient's preferences and availability of trained providers 1
- Sleep hygiene is not recommended as a single-component treatment for insomnia, as the evidence for its efficacy is limited, but it may be a useful component of a comprehensive treatment approach 1
- Patients with insomnia should be educated about the potential benefits and limitations of different treatments, and should be encouraged to work with their healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to their individual needs 1. It's also important to note that while contrast showers may have some benefits for relaxation and stress reduction, there is limited scientific evidence to support their use as a treatment for insomnia. In general, the treatment of insomnia should be based on the latest evidence and guidelines, and should prioritize the use of effective, evidence-based treatments such as CBT-I.
From the Research
Contrast Showers and Insomnia
- There are no research papers to assist in answering this question, as the provided studies do not mention contrast showers as a treatment for insomnia.
- The studies focus on the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness meditation, and other psychological treatments for insomnia 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- These treatments have been shown to improve sleep latency, wake time, and sleep quality in adults with insomnia, but there is no mention of contrast showers as a potential treatment.