The Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Sleep Disturbance: A Systematic Review

Nicole Y. Winbush, Cynthia R. Gross, Mary Jo Kreitzer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

206 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: Sleep disturbance is common and associated with compromised health status. Cognitive processes characterized by stress and worry can cause, or contribute to, sleep complaints. This study systematically evaluated the evidence that sleep can be improved by mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), a formalized psychoeducational intervention that helps individuals self-manage and reframe worrisome and intrusive thoughts. Methods: Articles were identified from searches of Medline, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Digital Dissertations, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Eligible for inclusion were English language clinical trials of MBSR that reported preintervention and postintervention measures of sleep quality or duration. Studies employing multicomponent interventions were excluded. Studies were reviewed independently by the first and second authors. Results: Thirty-eight articles were identified for review. Seven met inclusion criteria. Lack of standardized outcome measures precluded pooling of results for quantitative data analysis. Sleep report measures varied (standardized scales, single item, sleep diaries). Four studies (all uncontrolled) found that MBSR significantly improved measures of sleep quality or duration. The remaining studies found no statistically significant difference between treatment and control conditions. Conclusions: To date, controlled studies have not clearly demonstrated the positive effects of MBSR on sleep quality and duration. However, there is some evidence to suggest that increased practice of mindfulness techniques is associated with improved sleep and that MBSR participants experience a decrease in sleep-interfering cognitive processes (eg, worry). More research is needed using standardized sleep scales and methods, with particular attention to the importance of MBSR home practice.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)585-591
Number of pages7
JournalExplore: The Journal of Science and Healing
Volume3
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2007

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This study was supported in part by a faculty development grant from the Health Resources and Services and Administration, 1DHP05168-01-00 (NYW).

Copyright:
Copyright 2008 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

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