The effects of meditation-based interventions on sleep quality among adults aged ≥ 55 with mild cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Sleep disturbances are common in older adults with MCI, associated with cognitive decline and reduced quality of life. Pharmacological treatment remains common despite safety concerns. Meditation-based interventions may improve sleep and psychological well-being, yet evidence among individuals with MCI remains limited. This systematic review evaluated the effects of MBIs on sleep quality among adults aged ≥55 years with MCI, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Five databases were searched through June 2025, identifying RCTs, pilot RCTs, and quasi-experimental studies using validated sleep measures. Seven studies (n = 434) met inclusion criteria, with interventions lasting 4-12 weeks and encompassing mindfulness, mantra, sound meditation, and hybrid programs. Five studies showed significant improvements in subjective sleep quality; one actigraphy-based study reported reduced daytime napping. A random-effects meta-analysis of six studies reporting PSQI outcomes demonstrated a significant overall improvement in sleep quality (Hedges' g = -0.75, 95% CI -1.23 to -0.28), although substantial heterogeneity was observed (I² = 77.9%). Secondary outcomes included reduced anxiety, stress, and depression, and improved attention and memory. Evidence indicated moderate certainty that MBIs improve sleep quality in MCI. These findings suggest MBIs are promising non-pharmacological strategies to enhance subjective sleep quality and psychological well-being in older adults with MCI. Integrating meditation-based strategies could be explored as a potential, supportive approach within gerontological nursing and community programs, but caution is warranted given the limited and heterogeneous evidence base. Larger, multi-site RCTs with standardized protocols, including both objective and subjective sleep assessments, are needed to strengthen generalizability and guide evidence-based practice.