The Role of Mindfulness and Relaxation in Improved Sleep Quality Following a Mind–Body and Activity Program for Chronic Pain

Poor sleep quality is prevalent among individuals with chronic pain and contributes to increased physical and emotional dysfunction. However, treatments that improve sleep quality among individuals with chronic pain are scant. A previously developed mind–body activity program for chronic pain has been shown to be feasible and associated with improvements in pain and physical and emotional function. Using secondary data analysis, the purpose of this study was to understand whether participants also experienced significant and sustained improvements in sleep quality over time and whether these improvements were explained by change in two core treatment targets, relaxation and mindfulness.

Participants with heterogenous chronic pain (N = 82) were randomized to a mind–body activity intervention with (GetActive-Fitbit; n = 41) or without (GetActive; n = 41) a Fitbit device. Sleep quality was measured with the PSQI, mindfulness with the CAMS-R, and relaxation with the relaxation subscale of the MOCS-A. Mediation was tested via mixed models analysis.

Both intervention groups experienced significant and comparable improvements in sleep quality from baseline to post-treatment, which were sustained through a 3-month follow-up. Mindfulness and relaxation also improved significantly over time, and these improvements were associated with improved sleep quality. Mindfulness and relaxation fully mediated improvement in sleep quality (medium to large effect sizes).

Results suggest that, despite not targeting sleep directly, the mind–body activity program holds promise for sustainably improving sleep quality among patients with chronic pain. Targeting mindfulness and relaxation may facilitate these improvements.