A review of 39 studies has found that mindfulness-based programmes may help women with cancer sleep better and reduce insomnia, offering a possible alternative to relying only on medication.
Sleep problems are common among women undergoing cancer treatment and those recovering from the disease. Now, a new review suggests that mindfulness practices may help improve sleep quality and ease insomnia in these women.
The findings are based on a scoping review of 39 studies examining the effects of mindfulness-based programmes on sleep among adult women with cancer. Researchers searched eight medical databases and included studies published up to January 2026.
The review found that most studies reported improvements in sleep quality or reduced insomnia symptoms among women who participated in mindfulness programmes. Breast cancer was the most common diagnosis, and most participants were survivors who had completed treatment.
The United States contributed 18 studies, while 24 of the included studies were randomised controlled trials.
How Does Mindfulness Help?
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) was the most commonly used programme. It generally involved six to eight weeks of sessions designed to help participants manage stress and improve their awareness of thoughts and feelings. Some programmes were delivered online, while others used in-person or hybrid sessions.
Apart from better sleep, several studies also reported improvements in fatigue, a common problem among women with cancer. However, results related to pain were mixed.
Despite these encouraging findings, researchers said the evidence is not yet strong enough to establish exactly how mindfulness improves sleep. Only two studies examined sleep, physical symptoms and biological changes together.
Experts Call for More Research
The review also highlighted important limitations. Studies used different programme formats, durations and assessment methods. Most research focused on women with early-stage breast cancer in high-income countries, meaning the findings may not apply equally to women with advanced cancer or those undergoing active treatment.
The researchers suggested that mindfulness could be included in supportive cancer care, particularly for women experiencing insomnia alongside fatigue or emotional distress.
However, women with severe or persistent insomnia may need specialised treatment, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I).
The authors concluded that larger, standardised studies are needed to identify which mindfulness programmes work best and who benefits most.
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