Homeopathy for insomnia: a systematic review of research evidence.
BACKGROUND
Insomnia is a common problem which impacts on quality of life. Current management includes psychological and behavioural therapies and/or pharmacological treatments.


OBJECTIVE
To systematically review research evidence for effectiveness of homeopathy in the management of insomnia.


METHODS
Comprehensive searches of biomedical databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane library, Science Citation Index), homeopathy-specific and complementary medicine-specific databases were conducted.


RESULTS
(A) Homeopathic medicines: four randomised controlled trials (RCTs) compared homeopathic medicines to placebo. All involved small patient numbers and were of low methodological quality. None demonstrated a statistically significant difference in outcomes between groups, although two showed a trend favouring homeopathic medicines and three demonstrated significant improvements from baseline in both groups. A cohort study reported significant improvements from baseline. (B) Treatment by a homeopath: No randomised controlled trials of treatment by a homeopath were identified. One cohort study, three case series and over 2600 case studies were identified.


CONCLUSIONS
The limited evidence available does not demonstrate a statistically significant effect of homeopathic medicines for insomnia treatment. Existing RCTs were of poor quality and were likely to have been underpowered. Well-conducted studies of homeopathic medicines and treatment by a homeopath are required to examine the clinical and cost effectiveness of homeopathy for insomnia.
Cooper
Katy L
KL
School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Regent Court, Sheffield, UK. k.l.cooper@sheffield.ac.uk
Relton
Clare
C
D006705:Homeopathy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008419:Materia Medica / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000628:therapy*
D008419:Materia Medica