Usefulness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Treating Insomnia in Patients With Anxiety Disorders

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the usefulness of a mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for treating insomnia symptoms in patients with anxiety disorder. Nineteen patients with anxiety disorder were assigned to an 8-week MBCT clinical trial. Participants showed significant improvement in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (Z = -3.46, p = 0.00), Penn State Worry Questionnaire (Z = -3.83, p = 0.00), Ruminative Response Scale (Z = -3.83, p = 0.00), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (Z = -3.73, p = 0.00), and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores (Z = -3.06, p = 0.00) at the end of the 8-week program as compared with baseline. Multiple regression analysis showed that baseline Penn State Worry Questionnaire scores were associated with baseline Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores. These findings suggest that MBCT can be effective at relieving insomnia symptoms by reducing worry associated sleep disturbances in patients with anxiety disorder. However, well-designed, randomized, controlled trials are needed to confirm our findings.

A review of lifestyle factors that contribute to important pathways associated with major depression: Diet, sleep and exercise

“…In women with insomnia and breast cancer, CBTI was also more effective in improving sleep, depression and anxiety symptoms than a control condition (Savard et al, 2005). Eight weeks of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for treating insomnia symptoms also improved sleep, anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients with an anxiety disorder (Yook et al, 2008).…”

Mindfulness and the Beginning Teacher

“…Benefits included reduced anxiety and emotion regulation noted in reductions in stress-cortisol (Willis, 2007;Fogarty, 2009) and a thickening of the prefrontal cortex which is associated with emotion regulation (Lazar et al, 2005;Cahn & Polich, 2006). Yook et al (2008) found through a series of questionnaires that participants reported improved sleep patterns. Improvements in attention and focus were shown in two studies (Tang et al, 2007;Jha, Krompinger, & Baime, 2007) using the ANT (Attention Network Test) designed by Rueda, Fan, McCandliss, Halparin, Gruber, Lercari & Posner, 2004).…”

A Study of the Effects of Mindfulness in Five Primary Schools in New Zealand

“…A range of benefits have been noted for individuals using mindfulness across various studies; many of which are confirmed by more than one study. A sample of these are included here: reduced stress and anxiety (Ludwig & Kabat-Zinn, 2008;Siegel, 2010;Willis, 2007); improved sleep patterns (Britton, Haynes, Fridel, & Bootzin, 2010;Ludwig & Kabat-Zinn, 2008;Yook, et al, 2008); improved attention (Jha, Krompinger & Baime, 2007;Semple & Lee, 2008;Tang, et al, 2007); improved mental outlook (Brown & Langer, 1990;Wenk-Sormaz 2005); learning, memory, attention, sensory processing, empathy and reduced fear (Mental Health Foundation, 2011). Although there are other research investigations that corroborate these findings across different countries, most of these studies have small sample sizes.…”