Mind-body therapies improve sleep quality in perinatal women
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials involving 782 participants found that mind-body therapies (mindfulness, Pilates, yoga) significantly improved sleep quality in perinatal women compared to controls (MD = -2.63, 95% CI -3.36 to -1.90). However, substantial heterogeneity was observed (I² = 89.0%), and the certainty of evidence was rated as low by GRADE.
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Mind-body therapies improve sleep quality in perinatal women The current body of evidence comprises 1 study and 1 meta-analysis. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 49/100 (low).
The Claim
Mind-body therapies improve sleep quality in perinatal women
This conclusion is most relevant to: Perinatal women (pregnant and postpartum).
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Effects of mind-body therapies on sleep quality in perinatal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. (Frontiers in public health, 2026) — A systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials involving 782 participants found that mind-body therapies (mindfulness, Pilates, yoga) significantly improved sleep quality in perinatal women compared to controls (MD = -2.63, 95% CI -3.36 to -1.90). However, substantial heterogeneity was observed (I² = 89.0%), and the certainty of evidence was rated as low by GRADE.
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Mind-body therapies reduce stress and anxiety through relaxation and mindfulness
- ▸Improved emotional regulation lowers cortisol levels
- ▸Enhanced physical activity and body awareness promote better sleep regulation
- ▸Result: Improved sleep quality scores
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Perinatal women (pregnant and postpartum)
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Substantial heterogeneity across studies (I² = 89.0%) limits generalizability
- ▸Low certainty of evidence per GRADE assessment due to risk of bias and inconsistency
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific mind-body therapies were included in the analysis?▼
The main interventions were mindfulness, Pilates, and yoga.
How many participants were included in the meta-analysis?▼
A total of 782 participants from 13 randomized controlled trials.
What was the effect size of mind-body therapies on sleep quality?▼
The mean difference was -2.63 (95% CI -3.36 to -1.90), indicating a significant improvement in sleep quality.
Why was the certainty of evidence rated as low?▼
The GRADE assessment rated evidence as low due to substantial heterogeneity and potential risk of bias across studies.
References
- 1.Guo L, Li Y, Suo L, Yang J, Lv X, Song H, Han W. “Effects of mind-body therapies on sleep quality in perinatal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials..” Frontiers in public health, 2026. PMID: 42388735 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1857655