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Review Paper | Neurology | Volume 15 Issue 5, May 2026 | Pages: 54 - 59 | India
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Versus Aerobic Exercise for Insomnia in Young Adults: A Narrative Review
Abstract: Background: Insomnia is common sleep disorder affecting a significant proportion of young adults and is associated with impaired sleep quality, increased anxiety, and lower standard of living. Because they are non-pharmacological methods such as CBT-I and aerobic exercise are safe, efficient, and suggested as the initial course of treatment. Methods: Electronic database were used to find pertinent studies for a narrative review. Based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of fifteen articles- including randomised controlled trails and pilot studies-were chosen. To assess the effects of both therapies on sleep metrics, anxiety levels, and quality of life, data were synthesised and analysed. Results: Aerobic exercise and CBT-I both showed remarkable increases in sleep quality. Wakefulness following sleep onset latency were all reduced by CBT-I. Through physiological processes, aerobic exercise was linked to longer sleep duration overall and better sleep patterns. Both treatments improved quality of life and decreased anxiety. However, aerobic exercise offered more extensive physical and psychological benefits, but CBT-I shown stronger results in addressing cognitive and behavioural elements of insomnia. Conclusion: The combined application of cognitive Behavioural Therapy and aerobic exercise demonstrates a significant synergistic effect in the management of insomnia. This integrated approach not in addition to enhancing the quality of sleep and lessening the intensity of insomnia, it also promotes mental health by reducing anxiety and elevating mood. The findings suggest that a multimodal intervention targeting both cognitive and physiological domains offers a more effective and sustainable strategy for improving overall health outcomes and quality of life in individuals with insomnia.
Keywords: Insomnia, Cognitive behavioural therapy, Aerobic exercises, sleep quality, anxiety, Quality of life
How to Cite?: Ujala Kumari, Shivpriya Sharma, "Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Versus Aerobic Exercise for Insomnia in Young Adults: A Narrative Review", Volume 15 Issue 5, May 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 54-59, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26430143640, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26430143640