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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.

Last updated: Jul 7, 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. Effects of mind-body therapies on sleep quality in perinatal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

meta

Guo L, Li Y, Suo L, Yang J, Lv X, Song H, Han W · Frontiers in public health (2026)

Participants: 782
Duration: N/A
Intervention: Mind-body therapies (mindfulness, Pilates, yoga)
Outcome: Sleep quality (measured by validated scales, e.g., PSQI)
Effect Size: MD = -2.63, 95% CI -3.36 to -1.90
Population: Perinatal women (pregnant and postpartum)

Result: 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.

PubMed: 42388735DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1857655

Mechanism Graph

Mind-body therapies reduce stress and anxiety through relaxation and mindfulness
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Improved emotional regulation lowers cortisol levels
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Enhanced physical activity and body awareness promote better sleep regulation
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Result: Improved sleep quality scores

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

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References

  1. 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
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.