A systematic review and network meta-analysis depicted that cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) may be better than cognitive behavioural therapy for pain (CBT-P) and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia and pain (CBT-IP) in terms of effectiveness to treat comorbid chronic pain and insomnia. The efficacy of CBT-IP, CBT-P, and CBT-I in people with chronic pain and insomnia was compared by Kiyoka Enomoto et al.

Databases such as Web of Science, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, and PubMed were comprehensively explored for relevant literature search. At post-treatment and follow-up (3–12 months), the endpoints encompassed depression, disability, pain, and sleep. With 1094 individuals, 16 randomized controlled trials were incorporated. In Bayesian network meta-analysis, CBT-IP (standard mean difference [SMD] = -0.70) and CBT-I  (SMD = -0.99) were substantially more efficient than control for sleep in the post-treatment stage.

Additionally, for depression, disability, and pain post-treatment as well as for sleep at the follow-up, CBT-I was considerably more efficient than the control. The efficacy of CBT-P compared to the control group, however, did not differ significantly for any of the outcomes. Hence, CBT-I appears to be the most efficient treatment option for people who suffer from both chronic pain and comorbid insomnia.