Waking up to the problem of sleep: can mindfulness help? A review of theory and evidence for the effects of mindfulness for sleep.
Amanda J Shallcross, Pallavi D Visvanathan, Sarah H Sperber, Zoe T Duberstein
Current Opinion in Psychology October 11, 2018 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2018.10.005 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Humans Awareness Attention |
| Key points | Proposes an integrative model in which mindfulness practice targets experiential awareness, attentional control, and acceptance as key risk factors for poor sleep. Argues that mindfulness-based interventions may be promising for sleep but that evidence is mixed due to heterogeneity in study design and methods, and calls for more rigorous randomized controlled trials and for affordable, accessible, scalable interventions. |
Abstract
The high incidence of poor sleep and associated negative health consequences substantiates the need for effective behavioral sleep interventions. We offer an integrative model of sleep disturbance whereby key risk factors for compromised sleep quality and quantity are targeted through mindfulness practice-namely, experiential awareness, attentional control, and acceptance. Theoretical considerations and burgeoning evidence suggest that mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) may be promising treatments for improving sleep outcomes. However, evidence is mixed due to heterogeneity in design and methods across studies. More rigorous RCTs are needed to determine the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of MBI's for sleep. MBIs that are affordable, accessible, and scalable are needed to improve sleep outcomes at the population level.