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

Summary: Can online mindfulness improve mothers' sleep? A randomized trial of 72 mothers of children with autism found better sleep scores after an online stress-reduction program. #Autism #SleepHealth

Miryounesi F ; Ghezelbash S ; Alavi M
Authors

Source: Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research Published:2026


Abstract

Background: Mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) would experience elevated levels of stress and psychological distress. This study examined the effect of an online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program on sleep quality in mothers of children with ASD. Materials and Methods: This was a randomized single-blinded controlled trial that was conducted in 2022 on 72 mothers of children with ASD from Fatemeh Zahra and Parnian Autism Centers in Isfahan City, Iran. Participants were recruited through a convenient sampling and randomly assigned to intervention (n = 36) and control (n = 36) groups. The intervention group underwent eight 90-min MBSR sessions twice a week. Data were collected using a demographic information form and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) at baseline, immediately after, and one month after the intervention. Data were analyzed using independent samples: t-test, Chi-square, and one-way repeated-measure. Results: The intervention group showed significantly improved sleep quality scores immediately after (F = 107.004, P < 0.001) and one month after (F = 107.004, P < 0.001) the intervention compared to the control group (lower PSQI score indicates better sleep quality). Repeated-measure ANOVA indicated a significant change in sleep quality scores over time within the intervention group (F = 107.004, P < 0.05), but no significant change was found in the control group (F = 1.292, P > 0.05). Conclusions: The findings of this study demonstrate that MBSR effectively improves sleep in mothers of children with ASD. Given its cost-effectiveness, MBSR should be integrated into healthcare protocols. © 2026 Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research.
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