Mindfulness-based interventions to promote improved sleep quality in older adults.
Pham Quang Trung Tong, Kirsten Munk
Nursing March 1, 2026 DOI: 10.1097/nsg.0000000000000338 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Older adults Sleep disturbances |
| Key findings | Argues that mindfulness-based interventions are an effective, low-risk, low-cost way to enhance sleep quality in older adults, particularly when delivered within structured programs. |
Abstract
Sleep quality is a crucial indicator of overall health of older adults, who are vulnerable to sleep-related complications such as increased risk for anxiety, dementia, and falls. Sleep disturbances are common in this population and can be exacerbated by comorbidities, including chronic pain and depression. This article explores the research around mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), which have gained attention as a nonpharmacologic approach to improving sleep quality. MBIs, including mindfulness-based stress reduction, mindfulness-based therapy for insomnia, and mindfulness-based exercises such as yoga and tai chi have shown many benefits for older adults, including improved sleep duration and quality, decreased symptoms of anxiety and depression, and reduced pain. Findings suggest that mindfulness is an effective, low-risk, low-cost way to enhance sleep in older adults, particularly when delivered within structured programs. Early findings also suggest that these interventions may be effectively delivered via digital platforms (such as mindfulness apps), providing increased accessibility and convenience for the older adult population. Nurses should assess patients' sleep quality, address any health issues that might interfere with sleep, and educate older adult patients about the benefits of MBIs as a nonpharmacologic intervention for sleep disturbances.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical populations | 2003 | Review | |
| Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects | 2007 | Review | |
| Mindfulness Interventions | 2016 | Review | |
| Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation | 2017 | Review | |
| Mindfulness and acceptance: expanding the cognitive-behavioral tradition | 2005 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cites 5
- Effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program on depression, emotion regulation, and sleep problems: A randomized controlled trial study on depressed elderly. BMC Public Health January 23, 2024
- Mindfulness-based intervention for hypertension patients with depression and/or anxiety in the community: a randomized controlled trial. Trials May 2, 2024
- Follow-up outcomes of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) for patients with chronic, treatment-resistant depression. Journal of Affective Disorders May 1, 2023
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction group training improves of sleep quality in postmenopausal women. BMC Psychiatry April 11, 2022
- Testing a mindfulness meditation mobile app for the treatment of sleep-related symptoms in adults with sleep disturbance: A randomized controlled trial PLoS One January 7, 2021