Can mindfulness affect sleep?
Short Answer
It can improve sleep by reducing arousal and worry, especially when practiced earlier in the day. However, intense inward focus late at night can sometimes increase alertness for anxious people. Gentle practices and body-based grounding are usually best before bed.
Why This Matters
The real benefit of mindfulness is carryover—how you respond when you are not meditating. Understanding duration and aftereffects helps you build cues and micro-practices that extend mindfulness into daily life.
Where This Changes
If mindfulness practices disrupt sleep or increase alertness late at night, move practice earlier or switch to gentler body-based grounding. Effects depend on timing, technique, and stress level.