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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).

Last updated: Aug 21, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score44/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. The Effect of Online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program on Sleep Quality in Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

observational

Miryounesi F, Ghezelbash S, Alavi M · Iranian journal of nursing and midwifery research (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 8 weeks (8 sessions over 4 weeks, plus 1-month follow-up)
Intervention: Online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program: eight 90-minute sessions twice a week
Outcome: Sleep quality measured by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score (lower score indicates better sleep quality)
Effect Size: N/A (F-statistic reported, no effect size)
Population: Mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from two autism centers in Isfahan, Iran

Result:

PubMed: 42610167DOI: 10.4103/ijnmr.ijnmr_22_24

Mechanism Graph

MBSR reduces psychological stress and distress in mothers of children with ASD
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Reduced stress may decrease hyperarousal and improve emotional regulation
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Improved emotional regulation and reduced stress facilitate better sleep initiation and maintenance
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Result: Improved sleep quality scores on PSQI

Limitations

  • ⚠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).

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References

  1. 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
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.