Mindfulness as an Adjunct or Alternative to CBT-I.
Sleep Medicine Clinics March 2023 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsmc.2022.09.002 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Cognitive arousal Insomnia Mbi Metacognition Sleep |
| Key findings | The authors review theoretical frameworks and clinical trial data indicating that mindfulness-based interventions improve sleep and reduce cognitive arousal, and propose that MBIs can serve as an adjunct or alternative to CBT-I for insomnia. They argue that further research is needed to clarify how, when, and for whom mindfulness should be used as a treatment option. |
Abstract
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are programs that teach mindfulness concepts through guided meditation and self-regulation practices. MBIs have been found to improve sleep and reduce cognitive arousal, which are central to the development and perpetuation of insomnia. In this article, we review theoretic frameworks and clinical trial effectiveness data supporting MBIs for insomnia. Based on this review, we provide suggestions for using MBIs as an adjunct or alternative treatment option to CBT-I with regard to how, when, and for whom. We conclude with an agenda for future directions that can clarify the use of mindfulness as a treatment option for insomnia.
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
Cited by 4
- Reducing cognitive arousal and sleep effort alleviates insomnia and depression in pregnant women with DSM-5 insomnia disorder treated with a mindfulness sleep program. SLEEP Advances 2023
- User Experiences and Effects of Expert-Led YouTube Mind-Body Interventions on Insomniacs: A Survey Study. Journal of Korean medical science June 2, 2025
- Treating insomnia during pregnancy improves bedtime procrastination, rumination, anxiety, and positive affect: a randomized controlled trial of cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based therapies for prenatal insomnia. SLEEP Advances 2026
- Long-Term Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Sleep Quality in Family Caregivers of People With Alzheimer's Disease: The Mediating Role of Anxiety. Clinical Gerontologist 2026
Cites 20
- Mechanisms of mindfulness Journal of Clinical Psychology December 29, 2005
- Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being JAMA Internal Medicine January 6, 2014
- Mindfulness Meditation and Improvement in Sleep Quality and Daytime Impairment Among Older Adults With Sleep Disturbances JAMA Internal Medicine February 16, 2015
- A Randomized Controlled Trial of Mindfulness Meditation for Chronic Insomnia Sleep August 29, 2014
- Mindfulness training for coping with hot flashes Menopause: The Journal of The North American Menopause Society March 4, 2011
and 15 more in the library