Efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia in the perinatal period: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

The meta-analysis aims to explore the effect of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) in the perinatal period. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessed the effects of CBT-I in perinatal women with insomnia, published in English, were eligible. Electronic searches were performed using PubMed, Embase (Elsevier), PsycINFO (Ebsco), and Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics). Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) as the primary outcome was used to estimate the pooled effects and durable efficacy of CBT-I. The secondary outcome measures were Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Of 46 studies reviewed, seven studies met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis indicated significant improvement in insomnia as measured with the ISI (standardized mean difference (SMD) = − 0.62, 95% confidence intervals (CI) − 0.77, − 0.47, I² = 28%). At the follow-up time point, the meta-analysis indicated the durable efficacy of CBT-I (SMD = − 0.47, 95% CI − 0.90, − 0.03, I² = 73%). Definite improvement of CBT-I on EPDS (SMD = -0.31, 95% CI − 0.55, − 0.06, I² = 33%) and PSQI (SMD = − 0.82, 95% CI − 1.27, − 0.38, I² = 68%) score change post-intervention were found. In sub-analyses, CBT-I had similar effect sizes, independent of possible modifiers (study population, comparison group, delivery format, etc.). This meta-analysis demonstrates that CBT-I is effective in alleviating insomnia, depression, and sleep quality among perinatal women. It is equally important to find that CBT-I has a durable efficacy on insomnia in the perinatal period. However, it is necessary to include larger samples and conduct rigorous RCTs to further explore this issue.