
Thesis Format
Monograph
Degree
Master of Science
Program
Neuroscience
Supervisor
Owen, Adrian M.
Abstract
Background: Meditation has gained popularity for potential health benefits, but claims of cognitive improvement are often based on flawed studies. A proposed mechanism for improved cognition is improved sleep, which lacks experimental validation. Objectives: This study aimed to (1) test if meditation improves sleep quality, (2) evaluate its effect on cognition, and (3) determine if changes in sleep quality relate to cognitive function. Methods: Participants (n=98) were assigned to Meditation (n=30), Nature Soundscapes (n=34), or Control (n=34) groups. They were assessed for sleep quality, cognition, mindfulness, anxiety, and depression at baseline, four weeks, and eight weeks. Results: Meditation increased mindfulness and reduced anxiety but did not significantly improve sleep quality or cognitive function. Higher mindfulness was linked to lower cognitive scores, though better sleep quality partially mitigated this.
Summary for Lay Audience
Meditation, a practice with deep historical roots, has become popular in Western society for its potential health benefits. This study examined how meditation might improve sleep and mental abilities such as attention, memory, and cognitive control. We conducted an eight-week study with three groups: one practicing meditation, one listening to nature sounds, and one doing neither. We measured sleep quality, cognitive skills, trait mindfulness, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. After four and eight weeks, participants who practiced meditation reported higher trait mindfulness and reduced anxiety symptoms. However, we found no significant effects on sleep quality or cognitive performance.
Interestingly, further analysis suggested a nuanced relationship: while higher trait mindfulness was linked to lower overall cognition scores, better sleep quality seemed to positively mitigate some of this negative association. This study highlights that while meditation can increase mindfulness and reduce anxiety, these changes did not directly translate into measurable changes in sleep quality or cognitive performance. This suggests that while the short-term benefits of meditation might be more subjective and related to mental well-being than changes in sleep quality or concrete cognitive enhancements, any potential “cognitive benefits” of meditation may require consistent and long-term practice and may exhibit a complex relationship with sleep quality. Future studies should involve larger groups of participants and use not only self-report but also objective measures of sleep such as polysomnography, which provides a detailed assessment of sleep stages and quality. Additionally, carefully measuring the length and consistency of meditation practice may be crucial, as cognitive benefits may require extended periods of consistent meditation practice. Overall, while meditation shows promise in improving certain aspects of mental health, its short-term impact on sleep quality and cognitive abilities remains an area that requires further investigation. This study underscores the importance of rigorous, evidence-based research in uncovering the true extent of the benefits of meditation and the mechanisms through which they operate.
Recommended Citation
Gupta, Anvita D., "Evaluating the Effects of Meditation on Sleep and Cognition" (2024). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 10623.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/10623
Included in
Alternative and Complementary Medicine Commons, Cognitive Neuroscience Commons, Cognitive Psychology Commons, Cognitive Science Commons