Does Meditation Improve Cognition Through Sleep?

Abstract

Meditation has often been touted as a reliable way to improve one’s cognition. Several studies have demonstrated a variety of structural brain and behavioral changes related to meditation practice, further supporting its use as a cognitive intervention. However, many of these purported benefits have failed to replicate in similar studies. Recent reviews of the meditation/cognition literature have also identified a number of methodological shortcomings that are prevalent in most of these studies. In light of these issues, we review the literature on meditation and cognition, in an effort to better understand the relationship between the two and how (if at all) meditation may exert an influence over cognitive performance. We argue in favor of a recent hypothesis that meditation may have direct benefits for sleep, which might ultimately explain any downstream benefits on cognitive performance.