The Effect of Virtual Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Sleep Quality: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Amanda Jiang, Michael Rosario, Sara Stahl, Jessica M Gill, Heather L. Rusch
Current Psychiatry Reports July 23, 2021 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-021-01272-6 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Interventions | Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) virtual delivery |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Insomnia Sleep quality Virtual |
| Key findings | The authors conclude that virtual mindfulness-based interventions are equivalent to evidence-based treatments and, to a limited extent, more effective than non-specific active controls at reducing some aspects of sleep disturbance, and that they outperform usual care and waitlist controls. Preliminary evidence suggests long-term effects on sleep quality. Attrition rates are comparable to in-person MBIs, though adherence may be compromised in virtual delivery. |
Abstract
We summarized peer-reviewed literature investigating the effect of virtual mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on sleep quality. We aimed to examine the following three questions: (1) do virtual MBIs improve sleep quality when compared with control groups; (2) does the effect persist long-term; and (3) is the virtual delivery method equally feasible compared to the in-person delivery method? Findings suggest that virtual MBIs are equivalent to evidence-based treatments, and to a limited extent, more effective than non-specific active controls at reducing some aspects of sleep disturbance. Overall, virtual MBIs are more effective at improving sleep quality than usual care controls and waitlist controls. Studies provide preliminary evidence that virtual MBIs have a long-term effect on sleep quality. Moreover, while virtual MBI attrition rates are comparable to in-person MBI attrition rates, intervention adherence may be compromised in the virtual delivery method. This review highlights virtual MBIs as a potentially effective alternative to managing sleep disturbance during pandemic-related quarantine and stay-at-home periods. This is especially relevant due to barriers of accessing in-person interventions during the pandemic. Future studies are needed to explore factors that influence adherence and access to virtual MBIs, with a particular focus on diverse populations.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being Diverse adult clinical populations | 2014 | Meta-analysis | n = 3,515 |
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Stress Management in Healthy People: A Review and Meta-Analysis Healthy subjects | 2009 | Systematic review and meta-analysis | |
| The psychological effects of meditation: A meta-analysis. Nonclinical groups of adult meditators | 2012 | Meta-analysis | n = 163 |
| Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Prevention of Depressive Relapse Adults with recurrent depression in full or partial remission | 2016 | Meta-analysis of individual patient data from randomized controlled trials | n = 1,258 |
| Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy – a systematic review of randomized controlled trials | 2011 | Systematic review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 10
- Mindfulness improves psychological health and supports health behaviour cognitions: Evidence from a pragmatic RCT of a digital mindfulness-based intervention. British Journal of Health Psychology November 1, 2024
- A multisite feasibility randomized clinical trial of mindfulness-based resilience training for aggression, stress, and health in law enforcement officers. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies April 4, 2024
- A Meta-Regression of psychosocial factors associated with sleep outcomes in mindfulness-based intervention trials. Behavioral Sleep Medicine 2025
- Engagement With Meditation Apps: Cross-Sectional Survey of Use and Associations. Journal of Medical Internet Research February 2, 2026
- Meditation and breathwork on anxiety in Parkinson's disease: A pilot randomized controlled trial. Journal of Parkinson's disease August 6, 2026
and 5 more in the library
Cites 9
- The effect of mindfulness meditation on sleep quality: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences December 21, 2018
- The efficacy of mindfulness meditation apps in enhancing users' well-being and mental health related outcomes: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Affective Disorders October 7, 2020
- Internet‐delivered mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy for anxiety and depression in cancer survivors: A randomized controlled trial Psycho-Oncology November 1, 2019
- Web-Based Mindfulness Interventions for Mental Health Treatment: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JMIR Mental Health September 25, 2018
- Digital Characteristics and Dissemination Indicators to Optimize Delivery of Internet-Supported Mindfulness-Based Interventions for People With a Chronic Condition: Systematic Review. JMIR Mental Health August 21, 2018
and 4 more in the library