0844 The Effects of Meditation-Based Interventions on Sleep Quality Among Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Sleep disturbances are common among older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and linked to cognitive decline and reduced quality of life. Pharmacological treatment remains prevalent despite safety concerns such as falls, delirium, and cognitive worsening. Meditation-based interventions (MBIs), including mindfulness, mantra, and sound-based practices, may improve sleep and psychological well-being, yet evidence in MCI populations remains limited and heterogeneous. This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of MBIs on sleep quality among adults aged ≥55 years with MCI and identified implications for gerontological nursing practice. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, five databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, CINAHL, and Google Scholar) were searched through June 2025. Eligible studies included RCTs, pilot RCTs, and quasi-experimental designs targeting adults aged ≥55 years with MCI. Studies were required to use validated sleep measures (PSQI, ISI, AIS, ESS, actigraphy, EEG). Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2.0 and ROBINS-I, and certainty of evidence using GRADE. Narrative synthesis was conducted due to heterogeneity. Seven studies (n = 434) met inclusion criteria. Interventions lasted 4–12 weeks and included mindfulness, mantra, sound meditation, and hybrid. Five studies demonstrated significant improvements in subjective sleep quality; one actigraphy-based study reported reduced daytime napping, and one showed short-term benefits that were not maintained at follow-up. Longer duration and greater adherence yielded stronger effects. Secondary outcomes included reduced anxiety, stress, and depression, and improved attention and memory. Overall, evidence indicated moderate certainty that MBIs may improve subjective sleep quality in MCI. Current evidence suggests MBIs show promise in improving subjective sleep quality and psychological well-being among adults aged ≥55 years with MCI. Integrating meditation-based strategies could be explored as a potential, supportive approach within gerontological nursing and community programs, but caution is warranted given the limited and heterogeneous evidence base. Future research should include large, multi-site RCTs with standardized protocols, both objective and subjective sleep assessments, and diverse populations to strengthen generalizability and guide evidence-based practice. NINR/NIH T32NR009356.