Mindfulness as an Adjunct or Alternative to CBT-I

Jason C Ong; David A Kalmbach

doi:10.1016/j.jsmc.2022.09.002

Mindfulness as an Adjunct or Alternative to CBT-I

Sleep Med Clin. 2023 Mar;18(1):59-71. doi: 10.1016/j.jsmc.2022.09.002.

Authors

Jason C Ong¹, David A Kalmbach²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Neurology, Center for Circadian and Sleep Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 710 N. Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60625, USA; Behavioral Sleep Medicine, Nox Health, 5000 Research Court, Suite 500, Suwanee, GA 30024, USA. Electronic address: jong@noxhealth.com.
² Thomas Roth Sleep Disorders Center, Henry Ford Health System, 39450 W 12 Mile Road, Novi, Detroit, MI 48377, USA; Department of Pulmonary & Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.

PMID: 36764787
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsmc.2022.09.002

Abstract

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are programs that teach mindfulness concepts through guided meditation and self-regulation practices. MBIs have been found to improve sleep and reduce cognitive arousal, which are central to the development and perpetuation of insomnia. In this article, we review theoretic frameworks and clinical trial effectiveness data supporting MBIs for insomnia. Based on this review, we provide suggestions for using MBIs as an adjunct or alternative treatment option to CBT-I with regard to how, when, and for whom. We conclude with an agenda for future directions that can clarify the use of mindfulness as a treatment option for insomnia.

Keywords: Cognitive arousal; Insomnia; MBI; MBSR; Meditation; Metacognition; Mindfulness; Sleep.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy*
Humans
Meditation*
Mindfulness*
Sleep / physiology
Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders* / therapy