Using Mindfulness for the Treatment of Insomnia.

A review of recent research on mindfulness meditation for insomnia finds that it is a viable treatment option. A metacognitive model has been proposed to explain how mindfulness reduces insomnia-related arousal. Several recent randomized controlled trials show that treatment effects are strongest on self-report measures of sleep compared to objective measures. Further research is needed to identify who benefits most and how these interventions work, as well as to resolve delivery and implementation issues.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Purpose of reviewThe goal of this review is to provide an update on the use of mindfulness meditation for the treatment of insomnia, including conceptual models and empirical evidence from randomized controlled trials.Recent findingsA metacognitive model of insomnia has been proposed as a conceptual model to explain the application of mindfulness principles for reducing insomnia-related arousal. Furthermore, the evidence base for mindfulness-based therapies has grown with the results of several randomized controlled trials published in the past three years. Treatment effects appear to be strongest on self-report measures compared to objective measures of sleep.SummaryTreatment programs featuring mindfulness meditation appear to be viable treatment options for people with insomnia. Further research is needed to determine who is likely to benefit from mindfulness-based therapies and how these interventions work. Additionally, further work is needed to resolve issues related to the delivery and implementation of mindfulness-based therapies.