A new meta-analysis looked at whether mindfulness-based interventions can help university students sleep better. The analysis included 638 students from multiple studies. It found that students who took part in mindfulness programs reported significantly better sleep quality than those in control groups. The effect size was large, but the researchers note that the evidence is of low certainty and that the studies varied widely in their results.
The analysis did not report on side effects or safety, so it is not clear whether these programs carry any risks. The main reason to be cautious is that the certainty of the evidence is low, and the researchers say that more high-quality trials are needed to confirm the findings. Also, the studies did not report how long the effects lasted.
For university students struggling with sleep, mindfulness may be a helpful option, but it is not a proven treatment. Students should talk to a healthcare provider about sleep problems, especially if they are persistent or affecting daily life.
