Physical factor therapies for insomnia: a narrative review of mechanisms, clinical evidence, and phenotype-guided applications - Summary - MDSpire

Physical factor therapies for insomnia: a narrative review of mechanisms, clinical evidence, and phenotype-guided applications

  • By

  • Shuhui Li

  • Qiubai Long

  • Dongfeng Huang

  • Yurong Mao

  • June 22, 2026

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To examine non-pharmacological interventions targeting insomnia's underlying mechanisms through five physical factor therapies.

Approach:
    Key Findings:
    • Physical factor therapies may serve as promising adjunctive options for selected insomnia phenotypes.
    • Current evidence for several modalities remains heterogeneous and preliminary.
    • Advances in portable and home-based technologies support the feasibility of these therapies.
    Interpretation:

    Future research should focus on larger sham-controlled trials, objective sleep and circadian outcomes, standardized protocols, biomarker-guided stratification, and closed-loop intervention systems.

    Limitations:
    • Evidence remains heterogeneous across different interventions and populations.
    • Long-term effectiveness, adherence, and cost-effectiveness of these therapies are yet to be established.
    Conclusion:

    The review highlights the potential of non-pharmacological approaches in treating insomnia while acknowledging the need for further research.

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