Treatment for insomnia, either by cognitive behavioral therapy or the movement meditation tai chi, reduces inflammation in older adults over 55 years of age.
A new study by the University of California has revealed that better sleep and tai chi can help reduce inflammation. Inflammatory processes occur throughout the body, with a primary function of promoting healing after any injury. However, when too active, these inflammatory processes can damage the body in several ways, and may contribute to heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, and other significant medical problems.
‘Insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders that is associated with increased risk for depression and mortality. Treatment for insomnia, either by cognitive behavioral therapy or the movement meditation tai chi, reduces inflammation levels in older adults.’
Stress, including sleep disturbance, is also a major contributor to inflammation in the body. Insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders that is associated with increased risk for depression, medical comorbidities, and mortality.
The new study suggests that treatment for insomnia, either by cognitive behavioral therapy or the movement meditation tai chi, reduces inflammation levels in older adults over 55 years of age.
Michael Irwin said, "Behavioral interventions that target sleep reduce inflammation and represent a third pillar, along with diet and physical activity, to promote health and possibly reduce the risk of age-related morbidities including depression."
The study findings provide an evidence-based molecular framework to understand how behavioral interventions that target sleep may reduce inflammation and promote health.
The study is published in Biological Psychiatry.
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