A comparison of non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions to enhance sleep quality in adults

Abstract

Topic Overview : Sleep disorders are sleep-related issues which cause people to suffer sleepless or interrupted nights. These can lead to physical ailments and mental health issues. The most commonly used treatments are pharmacological ones such as benzodiazepines however they too have their associated risks. Research Question : Are Non-pharmacological Interventions Better than Pharmacological Interventions when Treating Adults with Sleep Disorders? PICO Elements: Population (P) : Adults with Sleep Disorders Intervention : Non-Pharmacological Treatment Comparison : Pharmacological Treatment Outcome : Better Sleep Quality Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria : Studies included all keywords from the PICO question, peer-reviewed, written in English and from the past 11 years from time of research (2011- 2022). Non-human population and acute forms of sleep disorders were excluded from the search Method : After the keywords from the PICO question were identified, synonyms with the aid of Boolean operators were applied to the search terms. Hybrid Discovery (HyDi), PubMed and Cochrane were used to find relevant data on the subject. CASP tool (Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool) was used for critical appraisal. Results and Implications : Thirteen articles were selected, of which 12 were systematic reviews and meta analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials, and one was a Randomised Controlled Trial. Comparison of found literature was then used to find the best nonpharmacological alternatives for sleep disorders. It was found that cognitive behavioural therapy and regular exercise both had a positive effect on participants with sleep disorders. Recommendations and Conclusions: More research is still required, on both the currently viable alternative interventions, and also for other forms of alternative treatment or medicine to safely adopt these alternative forms of treatment into the current healthcare system.