Efficacy of yoga for managing sleep problems among military veterans: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis
Abstract: Purpose: Yoga is considered a potential alternative treatment for sleep disorders in military veterans. This study aims to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to critically assess the best available evidence on yoga’s effects in managing sleep problems among military veterans. Material and methods: A systematic search was conducted across four electronic databases (Scopus, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus and MEDLINE/PubMed), covering from their inception until October 2024. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) and the Quality Assessment Tool for Before-After Studies with No Control Group scales. Results: A total of eight studies met the inclusion criteria and were analysed. The main outcomes assessed were subjective sleep quality (n = 6), subjective insomnia (n = 2), and objective sleep status (n = 1). The meta-analysis, with data from 75 participants, indicated a significant improvement in subjective sleep quality after yoga interventions compared with baseline (Hedges’ g 0.40; 95% CI 0.12; 0.69, p<0.001). Overall, yoga positively affected both subjective sleep quality and subjective insomnia. While yoga appears safe for military veterans, its efficacy in improving objective sleep in this population has been underexplored. Conclusion: The efficacy of yoga for sleep problems in military veterans is uncertain, primarily due to limited single-arm studies. Preliminary findings indicate potential benefits for insomnia, but more rigorous research is needed to assess its effectiveness.
Language: English
Topic: Sleep and related disorders
Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7128136271