The Effect of Meditation-Based Mind-Body Interventions on Older Adults with Poor Sleep Quality: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials involving 1,052 older adults with poor sleep quality found that meditation-based mind-body interventions (mindfulness, tai chi, yoga, and qigong) significantly improved sleep quality, depression, and anxiety compared to control conditions. No statistically significant effect on stress was observed. The authors conclude that these interventions can improve sleep quality in older adults but call for more evidence.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the effect of meditation-based mind-body interventions (MBIs) (Mindfulness, Tai Chi, Yoga, and Qigong) for older adults with poor sleep quality. Poor sleep quality exerts negative impact on life quality of old adults. The meditation-based mind-body interventions, with merits of simplicity, practicality, accessibility, and widespread dissemination, have been widely used to improve sleep in the older adults. However, the effects of MBIs on sleep quality of old adults are largely unknown. A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out following the PRISMA-P guidelines. Embase, PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and CNKI databases were searched to gather randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of MBIs on older adults with poor sleep quality. Study quality was evaluated by the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. This study included 11 randomized controlled trials (with 1,052 participants) published between 2008 and 2023. Compared to the control group, there was a significant improvement in sleep quality (SMD= -0.66, 95%CI [-0.894, -0.426], P<0.00001), depression (SMD=-1.60, 95% CI [-1.89, 0.23], P=0.005), and anxiety (SMD= -1.46, 95% CI [-3.67, 0.75], P=0.026) for older adults with poor sleep quality. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the treatment effect for stress (SMD= -4.45, 95% CI [-10.24, 1.35], P=0.196). Meditation-based mind-body interventions significantly improved the sleep quality of older adults with poor sleep quality. Nevertheless, more evidence is needed to support this. The protocol for this study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023445082). https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=445082. CRD42023445082.