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Meditation, yoga, tai chi, and qigong improve subjective sleep quality in older adults with sleep disturbance, with meditation showing the highest probability of being ranked best.

In a network meta-analysis of 45 studies with 3,568 participants, meditation (MD -3.49, 95% CrI -4.92 to -2.09), yoga (MD -2.40, 95% CrI -4.55 to -0.27), qigong (MD -2.21, 95% CrI -4.01 to -0.42), and tai chi (MD -1.87, 95% CrI -2.99 to -0.77) were associated with improvements in sleep quality compared to control. Meditation also showed superior efficacy compared to sleep hygiene education (MD -2.87, 95% CrI -4.45 to -1.30).

Last updated: Aug 14, 2026•0 RCTs•1 Meta-analyses•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score49/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis★★★☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Effectiveness of Mind-Body Therapies for Sleep Disturbance in Older Adults: A Network Meta-Analysis.

observational

Yang H, Wang Z, Wang F, Su J, Gu Z, Liao Y, Liang X, Xu Z · The Gerontologist (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: Not specified in abstract
Intervention: Mind-body therapies including meditation, yoga, qigong, and tai chi
Outcome: Subjective sleep quality (measured via sleep quality scales, likely PSQI)
Effect Size: MD -3.49 (meditation vs control); MD -2.40 (yoga); MD -2.21 (qigong); MD -1.87 (tai chi)
Population: Older adults with sleep disturbance

Result:

PubMed: 42576331DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnag186

Mechanism Graph

Mind-body therapies reduce stress and arousal
↓
Promote relaxation and parasympathetic activity
↓
Improve circadian rhythm and sleep-wake regulation
↓
Result: Improved subjective sleep quality

Limitations

  • ⚠Network meta-analysis based on abstract; full details of study quality and heterogeneity not available
  • ⚠Potential risk of bias in included trials (assessed with RoB 2 but not reported in abstract)
  • ⚠Subjective sleep quality only; objective sleep measures not included

Frequently Asked Questions

Which mind-body therapy is most effective for sleep in older adults?▼

Meditation showed the highest probability of being ranked best, with a mean difference of -3.49 compared to control.

How many studies and participants were included in this meta-analysis?▼

45 studies involving 3,568 participants were included.

Are these therapies better than sleep hygiene education?▼

Only meditation demonstrated superior efficacy compared to sleep hygiene education (MD -2.87).

What was the search cutoff date for this review?▼

The systematic search was conducted until December 20, 2025.

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References

  1. 1.Yang H, Wang Z, Wang F, Su J, Gu Z, Liao Y, Liang X, Xu Z. "Effectiveness of Mind-Body Therapies for Sleep Disturbance in Older Adults: A Network Meta-Analysis.." The Gerontologist, 2026. PMID: 42576331 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnag186
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.