Ba Duan Jin for CI With Hyperarousal/Anxiety

Effectiveness of Ba Duan Jin Exercise on Chronic Insomnia (CI) With Hyperarousal/Anxiety

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Ba Duan Jin exercise in treating chronic insomnia (CI) with comorbid hyperarousal and anxiety symptoms.

Chronic Insomnia (CI) is a common sleep disorder characterized by persistent difficulties in initiating or maintaining sleep, leading to significant daytime dysfunction. Many CI patients experience hyperarousal, both physiological and psychological, commonly manifested as anxiety, which further exacerbates sleep disturbances and reduces quality of life.

While pharmacotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are effective for some patients, they are limited by side effects, costs, and accessibility. Traditional mind-body practices such as Ba Duan Jin, a classic Chinese Qigong exercise, have been explored as alternative therapies to improve sleep quality and alleviate anxiety symptoms.

Ba Duan Jin consists of a sequence of gentle and flowing movements designed to promote physical and mental relaxation. Preliminary studies suggest that mind-body exercises like Ba Duan Jin can positively influence sleep patterns, psychological well-being, and overall health.

This randomized controlled trial will recruit 84 participants diagnosed with CI and comorbid hyperarousal/anxiety symptoms. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a Ba Duan Jin plus Sleep Hygiene Education (SHE) group or an SHE-only group.

The intervention will last for 6 weeks, with participants in the Ba Duan Jin group practicing once daily for 50 minutes.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosed with Insomnia Disorder according to DSM-5 criteria.
2. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) total score > 5.
3. Age ≥ 8 years.
4. Educational level of at least junior high school.
5. Voluntarily agree to participate and sign informed consent.
6. Presence of anxiety symptoms, defined as a Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA-14) score ≥ 14.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Presence of severe physical illnesses or major psychiatric disorders, or assessed to be at risk of suicide.
2. Diagnosis or suspicion of sleep breathing disorder, restless legs syndrome, circadian rhythm sleep disorder, or engaged in night-shift work.
3. Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
4. Currently undergoing any form of psychological therapy.