The effects of mindfulness training on emotion and sleep quality in patients with colorectal cancer

To explore the effects of mindfulness training on emotion and sleep quality in patients with colorectal cancer. A total of 44 patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer from a hospital in Chongqing were recruited between August 2021 and April 2023. These participants were randomly assigned to either a training group or a waiting group using a single-blind method. To evaluate emotions, mindfulness levels, and sleep quality, the Positive and Negative Emotion Scale, the Mindfulness Awareness Scale, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were employed. The training group underwent mindfulness training, while the waiting group received general training. Changes in emotions, mindfulness awareness, and sleep quality before and after the intervention were compared between the two groups. The PROCESS mediation model was utilized to analyze the effects of mindfulness training on emotion and sleep quality. Mindfulness training could effectively improve the level of positive emotion and mindful attention awareness in colorectal cancer patients(positive emotions: t = 3.836, P < 0.01; mindful attention awareness: t = 2.768, P < 0.05), while the level of negative emotion and sleep quality index were significantly decreased(negative emotion: t = 3.264, P < 0.01; sleep quality index: t = 2.874, P < 0.01); Sleep quality index was significantly positively correlated with negative emotion(r = 0.551; P < 0.01), and negatively correlated with positive emotion and mindful attention awareness(r=-0.570, -0.619; P < 0.01); The level of positive and negative emotion and mindful attention awareness had a certain effect on sleep quality index, the total explanation rate was 59.1%, and positive and negative emotion had multiple mediating effects between mindful attention awareness and sleep quality(effect size 45.95%). Mindfulness training has positive effects on mood and sleep quality of patients with colorectal cancer. Mindfulness training can help patients reduce emotional response under stress and improve sleep quality. At the same time, mindfulness training can be added to the routine diagnosis and treatment process as a psychosomatic treatment for cancer patients, helping patients to improve the prognosis and quality of life.