Discover How Tai Chi Can Help Manage Chronic Insomnia

Discover How Tai Chi Can Help Manage Chronic Insomnia

Discover How Tai Chi Can Help Manage Chronic Insomnia

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Discover the Gentle Exercise That Could Transform Your Sleep

For anyone who has ever struggled with a sleepless night, the impact on your daily life can be overwhelming. But for those dealing with chronic insomnia, the effects can be even more severe. Chronic insomnia is a condition where individuals have difficulty falling or staying asleep on a regular basis, affecting at least 12% of Americans according to a recent survey by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Not only does chronic insomnia disrupt your daily routine, but it can also lead to serious health concerns like Alzheimer's disease, anxiety, and type 2 diabetes.

While there are many approaches to managing insomnia, ranging from creating a sleep-friendly environment in your bedroom to cognitive behavioral therapy, a new study suggests that adding a simple exercise to your routine could be just as effective in managing chronic insomnia.

A study published in The British Medical Journal in November 2025 found that practicing tai chi, a gentle form of exercise originating from China, was effective in managing chronic insomnia in middle-aged and older adults. Tai chi involves slow, deliberate movements, controlled breathing, and a meditative state of mind, making it a holistic mind-body exercise.

The study, conducted in Hong Kong, followed 200 adults aged 50 or older diagnosed with chronic insomnia. Participants were randomly assigned to either receive cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia or participate in tai chi sessions twice a week for a total of 24 sessions over three months. The researchers used the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) to measure changes in sleep quality immediately after the intervention and again after 12 months.

Initially, cognitive behavioral therapy showed greater improvements in sleep quality compared to tai chi. However, over time, the benefits of tai chi began to catch up, with both groups showing significant reductions in ISI scores at the 15-month follow-up. The researchers concluded that tai chi could be a viable alternative for managing chronic insomnia in middle-aged and older adults.

Notably, the positive effects of tai chi persisted beyond the intervention period, suggesting that continued practice of this gentle exercise could lead to long-term improvements in sleep quality. By incorporating tai chi into your daily routine, you may find relief from the debilitating effects of chronic insomnia and regain control over your sleep patterns.

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The path to better sleep starts with small steps, and incorporating tai chi into your routine could be the key to finally achieving restful nights and rejuvenating mornings. Embrace this gentle exercise and take control of your sleep health today.

The post New Study: Taking Up This Gentle Exercise Could Help Manage a Chronic Sleep Problem appeared first on The Healthy.

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Hi, I’m Ciro Irmici, an entrepreneur and investor from San Severo, Italy. My passions range from investments (stocks, crypto, dividends) to automation and creating businesses that help people. I believe in building things that matter, like a gym for all and a theatre for people to enjoy music. I love learning and sharing what I learn: how to create eBooks, audiobooks, and other digital products. I’m also deeply into fitness (gym, running, jump rope) and creativity (painting, music, design). My ultimate goal? To reach financial freedom and help others achieve their dreams.

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