The effects of mindfulness and relaxation training for insomnia (MRTI) on postmenopausal women: a pilot study.

Author: Garcia MC1, Kozasa EH1,2, Tufik S1, Mello LEAM1,3, Hachul H1,4,5
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup>Departamento de Psicobiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. <sup>2</sup>Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil. <sup>3</sup>Departamento de Fisiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. <sup>4</sup>Departamento de Ginecologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. <sup>5</sup>Departamento de Ginecologia Casa de Saúde Santa Marcelina, São Paulo, Brazil.
Conference/Journal: Menopause.
Date published: 2018 May 21
Other: Special Notes: doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000001118. [Epub ahead of print] , Word Count: 216


OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of mindfulness and relaxation training for insomnia on insomnia and quality of life in postmenopausal women.

METHODS: Thirty postmenopausal women aged 50 to 65 years, who were not using hormone therapy, and had a diagnosis of insomnia and an apnea-hypopnea index of less than 15, were randomly assigned to two groups: a mindfulness intervention group and a control group. They were assessed before the intervention, and 8 weeks after its completion using questionnaires assessing sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index), quality of life in menopause (Menopause-Specific Quality of Life), menopausal symptoms (Kupperman Menopausal Index), and level of attention (Mindfulness Awareness Attention Scale). They were also assessed through ambulatory polysomnography. This is a pilot study and is limited by its small sample size.

RESULTS: The results of the questionnaires showed significant differences in the group that received mindfulness training compared with the control group, namely, improvements in sleep quality, a reduction in the severity of insomnia, a better quality of life, improved attention levels, and a reduction in menopausal and vasomotor symptoms. Polysomnography results showed no differences between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Eight weeks mindfulness meditation training improved sleep quality, quality of life, attention levels, and reduced vasomotor symptoms in postmenopausal women with insomnia.

PMID: 29787483 DOI: 10.1097/GME.0000000000001118