Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on sleep quality and academic stress of Chinese adolescents: a randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an 8‐week Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program on sleep quality and academic stress among Chinese school adolescents. METHODS: A total of 46 students were recruited and randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n=22), which participated in the 8‐week MBSR program, or the control group (n=24), which received no intervention. Assessments using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Academic Stress Questionnaire (ASQ), and the Five Factors Mindfulness Scale (FFMQ) were conducted before and after the intervention period. RESULTS: Following the 8‐week MBSR program, the experimental group demonstrated significant reductions in total scores for both sleep quality and academic stress, alongside a significant increase in total mindfulness score. In contrast, the control group showed no significant changes in academic stress, sleep quality, or mindfulness scores over the same period. DISCUSSION: The findings indicate that the 8‐week MBSR program effectively improved sleep quality, reduced academic stress, and enhanced mindfulness levels in Chinese adolescents, suggesting its potential as a beneficial intervention in school settings.