The Benefits of Meditation for Sleep & Insomnia

The Benefits of Meditation for Sleep & Insomnia

Meditation has been found to have a positive effect on sleep quality, particularly in individuals who suffer from insomnia. Studies have shown that incorporating meditation into one's daily routine can lead to improved sleep quality, reduced time spent awake during the night, and decreased insomnia symptoms.

One study conducted by Ong et al. (2014) found that mindfulness meditation, a type of meditation that emphasizes present moment awareness, can significantly improve sleep quality in older adults with moderate sleep disturbances. Participants in the study who practiced mindfulness meditation for six weeks reported a reduction in the time it took to fall asleep, fewer awakenings during the night, and a greater sense of overall sleep quality.

 Another study by Black et al. (2015) found that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), a program that combines mindfulness meditation with yoga and other stress-reducing techniques, can also improve sleep quality in individuals with insomnia. Participants in the study who completed the MBSR program reported a reduction in insomnia symptoms, including decreased time to fall asleep, increased total sleep time, and improved sleep efficiency.

Meditation may also improve sleep quality by reducing anxiety and stress, two factors that can contribute to insomnia. A study by Khoury et al. (2015) found that mindfulness meditation can lead to a significant reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression, which are often associated with sleep disturbances. By reducing feelings of anxiety and stress, meditation may help individuals to feel more relaxed and calmer before bed, leading to a better night's sleep. 

Another study by Manjunath and Telles (2005) found that a specific type of meditation known as "Yoga Nidra" can improve sleep quality in individuals with chronic insomnia. Yoga Nidra is a form of guided meditation that focuses on deep relaxation and body awareness. Participants in the study who practiced Yoga Nidra for eight weeks reported a significant improvement in sleep quality, as well as a reduction in daytime sleepiness. 

In conclusion, research suggests that incorporating meditation into one's daily routine can lead to improved sleep quality, reduced time spent awake during the night, and decreased symptoms of insomnia. Mindfulness meditation, MBSR, Yoga Nidra, and other types of meditation have all been found to be effective in improving sleep quality and reducing insomnia symptoms. By reducing feelings of anxiety and stress and promoting relaxation, meditation may provide a natural and effective way to achieve a good night's sleep.

 

References:

  1. Ong, J. C., Manber, R., Segal, Z., Xia, Y., Shapiro, S., & Wyatt, J. K. (2014). A randomized controlled trial of mindfulness meditation for chronic insomnia. Sleep, 37(9), 1553-1563. doi: 10.5665/sleep.4010.

 

  1. Black, D. S., O'Reilly, G. A., Olmstead, R., Breen, E. C., & Irwin, M. R. (2015). Mindfulness meditation and improvement in sleep quality and daytime impairment among older adults with sleep disturbances: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA internal medicine, 175(4), 494-501.

 

  1. Khoury, B., Sharma, M., Rush, S. E., & Fournier, C. (2015). Mindfulness-based stress reduction for healthy individuals: A meta-analysis. Journal of psychosomatic research, 78(6), 519-528.

 

  1. Manjunath, N. K., & Telles, S. (2005). Influence of Yoga & Ayurveda on self-rated sleep in a geriatric population. Indian Journal of Medical Research, 121(5), 683-690.

 

  1. Ong, J. C., Manber, R., Segal, Z., Xia, Y., Shapiro, S., & Wyatt, J. K. (2014). A randomized controlled trial of mindfulness meditation for chronic insomnia. Sleep, 37(9), 1553-1563.