Qigong as a non pharmaceutical therapy for sleep disturbance

Abstract

Sleep disturbance refers to any disruptions or changes in the normal sleep pattern. Sleep disturbance is common among people who suffer from medical or psychiatric disorders, as well as those who take medications. Pharmacological treatment can be effective in the management of sleep disturbances. Yet, medications may have significant side effects, and tolerance and dependence may develop. For certain populations such as pregnant or nursing women and the elderly, medication treatment for sleep disturbance may not be indicated. Mind-body interventions, including Qigong, could be a viable alternative. We introduce the history, conceptualization, and applications of Qigong for health and wellbeing, and review potential mechanisms and existing evidence on Qigong as a treatment for sleep disturbance.