Assessing the Impact of the Mindfulness-Based Body Scan Technique on Sleep Quality in Multiple Sclerosis Using Objective and Subjective Assessment Tools: Single-Case Study.
Ioannis Iliakis, Maria Anagnostouli, George P Chrousos
JMIR Formative Research July 25, 2024 DOI: 10.2196/55408 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Single-case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | 31-year-old woman with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis |
| Intervention | mindfulness-based body scan technique |
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Keywords | Epd Assessment tools Effectiveness Electronic portable device Multiple sclerosis Neurodegenerative disease Nocturia Pain Quality of life Single-case study Sleep problems Sleep quality |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key findings | The mindfulness-based body scan technique improved sleep quality and quality of life in a patient with multiple sclerosis, with a notable dissociation between daily stress levels and sleep quality during the intervention. |
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the central nervous system, often leading to poor sleep quality and diminished quality of life (QoL) for affected patients. Sleep disturbances in MS do not always correlate linearly with other symptoms such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, or pain. Various approaches, including stress reduction techniques such as mindfulness-based interventions, have been proposed to manage MS-related sleep issues. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the mindfulness-based body scan technique on sleep quality and QoL in patients with MS using both subjective (questionnaires) and objective (electronic portable device) measures. A single-case study was performed involving a 31-year-old woman diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS. The patient practiced the mindfulness-based body scan technique daily before bedtime and outcomes were compared to measures evaluated at baseline. The mindfulness-based body scan intervention demonstrated positive effects on both sleep quality and overall QoL. Biometric data revealed a notable dissociation between daily stress levels and sleep quality during the intervention period. Although self-report instruments indicated significant improvement, potential biases were noted. While this study is limited to a single patient, the promising outcomes suggest the need for further investigation on a larger scale. These findings underscore the potential benefits of the mindfulness-based body scan technique in managing sleep disturbances and enhancing QoL among patients with MS.
Comparable studies
Other case reports and case series on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brain sources of EEG gamma frequency during volitionally meditation-induced, altered states of consciousness, and experience of the self Advanced meditator | 2001 | Case study | n = 1 |
| Mindfulness Meditation for Alcohol Relapse Prevention: A Feasibility Pilot Study Adult alcohol-dependent graduates of an intensive outpatient program | 2008 | Prospective case series | n = 19 |
| How does it feel to lack a sense of boundaries? A case study of a long-term mindfulness meditator. A single long-term mindfulness practitioner (S) with 40 years of practice in... | 2015 | Qualitative case study | n = 1 |
| Loving‐kindness meditation to enhance recovery from negative symptoms of schizophrenia Individuals suffering from schizophrenia-spectrum disorders with persistent negative... | 2009 | Case study | |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Problem Gambling A female problem gambler | 2011 | Case study | n = 1 |
Citations in the library
Cites 6
- Effects of Brief and Sham Mindfulness Meditation on Mood and Cardiovascular Variables The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine July 28, 2010
- A pilot, randomized, placebo-controlled study of mindfulness meditation in treating insomnia in multiple sclerosis. BMC Neurology July 11, 2023
- Brief self-compassion meditation training for body image distress in young adult women. Body image December 1, 2016
- Mindfulness meditation improves cognition: evidence of brief mental training. Consciousness and Cognition April 3, 2010
- The effects of brief mindfulness meditation training on experimentally induced pain. Journal of Pain March 2010
and 1 more in the library