Online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) improves sleep quality in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder
In a randomized controlled trial of 72 mothers of children with ASD, an online MBSR program (eight 90-minute sessions twice a week) significantly improved sleep quality as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) immediately after and one month post-intervention compared to a control group. The intervention group showed significant improvement over time (F=107.004, P<0.001), while the control group showed no significant change (F=1.292, P>0.05).
This article is automatically generated from the structured evidence profile behind the claim above. Scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical advice.
Online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) improves sleep quality in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 44/100 (low).
The Claim
Online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) improves sleep quality in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder
This conclusion is most relevant to: Mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from two autism centers in Isfahan, Iran.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸The Effect of Online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program on Sleep Quality in Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial. (Iranian journal of nursing and midwifery research, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸MBSR reduces psychological stress and distress in mothers of children with ASD
- ▸Reduced stress may decrease hyperarousal and improve emotional regulation
- ▸Improved emotional regulation and reduced stress facilitate better sleep initiation and maintenance
- ▸Result: Improved sleep quality scores on PSQI
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from two autism centers in Isfahan, Iran
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Convenience sampling may limit generalizability
- ▸Single-blinded design (participants not blinded) may introduce bias
- ▸No long-term follow-up beyond one month post-intervention
- ▸No objective sleep measures (e.g., polysomnography) used
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the effect of online MBSR on sleep quality in mothers of children with ASD?▼
The study found that online MBSR significantly improved sleep quality as measured by PSQI, with effects maintained at one month post-intervention.
How long is the MBSR program and what is the session format?▼
The program consisted of eight 90-minute sessions delivered online twice a week, totaling about 4 weeks.
What was the sample size and population in this study?▼
The study included 72 mothers of children with ASD, randomly assigned to intervention (n=36) and control (n=36) groups.
Is the improvement in sleep quality statistically significant?▼
Yes, the intervention group showed significant improvement (F=107.004, P<0.001) compared to the control group, which had no significant change (F=1.292, P>0.05).
References
- 1.Miryounesi F, Ghezelbash S, Alavi M. “The Effect of Online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program on Sleep Quality in Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial..” Iranian journal of nursing and midwifery research, 2026. PMID: 42610167 DOI: 10.4103/ijnmr.ijnmr_22_24