Mindfulness Meditation for Brain Injury

This trial aims to determine if a mindfulness meditation program delivered through telehealth can improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety in people with brain injuries. Participants will attend eight sessions over four to five weeks, focusing on guided meditation and educational discussion. The trial suits those with an acquired brain injury who experience sleep or anxiety issues and have internet access for telehealth sessions. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that could enhance well-being for individuals with similar conditions.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It might be best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Research has shown that mindfulness meditation is generally safe for most people. In past studies, participants, including those with brain injuries, have handled mindfulness programs well. For instance, a small study with veterans who had mild brain injuries found that mindfulness-based stress reduction did not cause any negative effects.

Researchers are excited about mindfulness meditation for brain injury because it offers a non-pharmaceutical approach to healing. Unlike standard treatments that often involve medication and physical therapy, this method utilizes guided meditation to potentially improve cognitive and emotional outcomes. By focusing on mindfulness, it aims to enhance mental clarity and reduce stress, which could be especially beneficial for individuals with brain injuries. This approach is unique because it empowers patients to actively participate in their recovery process through meditation sessions, potentially leading to improved quality of life.

Research shows that mindfulness meditation, which participants in this trial will engage in, can aid recovery from brain injuries. It effectively reduces mental fatigue and enhances cognitive skills. Studies have found that mindfulness activities support recovery from mild brain injuries by clearing the mind and reducing stress. These activities also increase awareness and acceptance, potentially leading to improved mental health. These benefits suggest that mindfulness meditation might enhance sleep and reduce anxiety for those with brain injuries. Although direct evidence for this specific program is limited, the general success of mindfulness in similar areas is encouraging.⁶⁷⁸⁹¹⁰