Page 38 - JCBP-3-1

Journal of Clinical and

Basic Psychosomatics

REVIEW ARTICLE
Psychosomatic influences on

insomnia: Mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatment
strategies

1
1,2
Alejandro Camacho-Zamora , Josué Camberos-Barraza ,
1,2
1,3
Ángel R. Rábago-Monzón , Hugo J. Sosa-Arámbula , and
1
Alberto K. De la Herrán-Arita *
1 Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Culiacán, México
2 Doctorado en Ciencias en Biomedicina Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Culiacán,
Sinaloa, México
3 Maestría en Ciencias en Biomedicina Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Culiacán,
Sinaloa, México

Abstract
Insomnia is the most prevalent sleep disorder with significant implications for mental
and physical health. While traditionally understood through a biomedical lens,
*Corresponding author: increasing evidence highlights the role of psychosomatic factors in its onset and
Alberto K. De la Herrán-Arita
(alberto.kousuke@uas.edu.mx) perpetuation. This narrative review explores the relationship between psychological
and somatic influences on insomnia, examining the underlying mechanisms, diagnostic
Citation: Camacho-Zamora A, challenges, and treatment strategies. We discuss neurobiological pathways, including
Camberos-Barraza J,
Rábago-Monzón AR, the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and neurotransmitter imbalances, alongside
Sosa-Arámbula HJ, and psychological factors such as anxiety, hyperarousal, and cognitive distortions. Somatic
De la Herrán-Arita AK. symptoms, particularly chronic pain, and other physical conditions are also regarded
Psychosomatic influences on
insomnia: Mechanisms, diagnosis, as integral contributors to insomnia. Diagnosis of psychosomatic insomnia requires
and treatment strategies. J Clin a comprehensive approach that incorporates both psychological and physical
Basic Psychosom. 2025;3(1):32-51. assessments, utilizing a combination of clinical interviews, standardized questionnaires,
doi: 10.36922/jcbp.4588
and differential diagnostic techniques. Treatment strategies are discussed in this paper
Received: August 20, 2024 with an emphasis on cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia, pharmacological
1st revised: October 23, 2024 interventions, and integrative approaches that address the multifaceted nature of the
disorder. The review also highlights the importance of lifestyle modifications and the
2nd revised: November 1, 2024
potential role of alternative therapies in managing insomnia. A rounded understanding
Accepted: November 14, 2024 of psychosomatic influences is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment of
Published Online: December 3, insomnia. Future research should focus on personalized therapeutic approaches and
2024 further interpreting the complex interconnections between mind and body in the
Copyright: © 2024 Author(s). pathophysiology of insomnia. This perspective has the potential to enhance clinical
This is an Open-Access article practice and improve outcomes for individuals suffering from this challenging disorder.
distributed under the terms of the
Creative Commons Attribution
License, permitting distribution, Keywords: Insomnia; Sleep–wake cycle; Somatization; Stress
and reproduction in any medium,
provided the original work is
properly cited.
Publisher’s Note: AccScience
Publishing remains neutral with 1. Introduction
regard to jurisdictional claims in
published maps and institutional Insomnia is a common yet complex sleep disorder, characterized by difficulties in
affiliations. initiating or maintaining sleep or experiencing non-restorative sleep. These difficulties

Volume 3 Issue 1 (2025) 32 doi: 10.36922/jcbp.4588