Interventions for Migraine and Sleep: A Systematic Review Exploring Their Bidirectional Association
Abstract
Background: Migraine and sleep disturbances share a bidirectional relationship, influencing each other's frequency and severity. The aim of this systematic review is to examine the effects of migraine-targeted interventions on both migraine outcomes and sleep parameters (including sleep quality and insomnia symptoms), as well as the effects of sleep-focused interventions on both sleep and migraine outcomes.
Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across six databases (PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL) for studies published until December 5, 2023. Eligible studies included Randomized Clinical Trials, Controlled Clinical Trials, and observational studies assessing migraine and/or sleep-targeted interventions in adults. The risk of bias was evaluated using RoB 2 and ROBINS-E tools.
Results: Twenty-three studies (1941 participants) were included. Pharmacological treatments such as erenumab, amitriptyline, propranolol, and onabotulinumtoxinA reduced migraine frequency and pain intensity, with variable effects on sleep quality. Melatonin showed no significant impact. Among non-pharmacological treatments, percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, greater occipital nerve block, green light therapy, binaural beats, mindfulness, and dietary modifications improved both migraine symptoms and sleep. Digital Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) significantly reduced headache days and improved sleep parameters, whereas…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 1,941 participants or records.
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