The Effect of Virtual Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Sleep Quality: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine whether virtual mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) improve sleep quality compared to controls, if effects persist long-term, and if virtual delivery is as feasible as in-person delivery.
Results Summary
Virtual MBIs were found to be equivalent to evidence-based treatments and more effective than usual care or waitlist controls in improving sleep quality, with preliminary evidence of long-term effects. However, adherence may be lower in virtual delivery compared to in-person methods.
Population
Individuals with sleep disturbances, particularly during pandemic-related quarantine and stay-at-home periods.
Effective Dosage
Not mentioned
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
virtual mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) | no change | evidence-based treatments | - | - | are equivalent to | #1 |
virtual mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) | decrease | some aspects of sleep disturbance | - | - | more effective than | #2 |
virtual mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) | increase | sleep quality | - | - | are more effective at improving | #3 |
virtual mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) | increase | sleep quality | - | - | have a long-term effect on | #4 |
virtual mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) | no change | in-person MBI attrition rates | - | - | attrition rates are comparable to | #5 |
virtual mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) | decrease | the virtual delivery method | - | - | intervention adherence may be compromised in | #6 |
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We summarized peer-reviewed literature investigating the effect of virtual mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on sleep quality. We aimed to examine the following three questions: (1) do virtual MBIs improve sleep quality when compared with control groups; (2) does the effect persist long-term; and (3) is the virtual delivery method equally feasible compared to the in-person delivery method? RECENT FINDINGS: Findings suggest that virtual MBIs are equivalent to evidence-based treatments, and to a limited extent, more effective than non-specific active controls at reducing some aspects of sleep disturbance. Overall, virtual MBIs are more effective at improving sleep quality than usual care controls and waitlist controls. Studies provide preliminary evidence that virtual MBIs have a long-term effect on sleep quality. Moreover, while virtual MBI attrition rates are comparable to in-person MBI attrition rates, intervention adherence may be compromised in the virtual delivery method. This review highlights virtual MBIs as a potentially effective alternative to managing sleep disturbance during pandemic-related quarantine and stay-at-home periods. This is especially relevant due to barriers of accessing in-person interventions during the pandemic. Future studies are needed to explore factors that influence adherence and access to virtual MBIs, with a particular focus on diverse populations.