Authors: Sagar Bayaskar

Abstract

Background: High-stress occupations often contribute to poor dietary patterns and sleep disturbances. Mindful eating, a practice focusing on awareness and intentionality during food consumption, has been proposed as a low-cost, non-pharmacological intervention to improve sleep health.

Objective: This study explored the potential influence of mindful eating practices on sleep quality among individuals employed in high-stress professions, using qualitative insights from diverse educational and occupational backgrounds.

Methods: A total of 35 participants (18 males, 17 females; aged 22–45 years) from various fields including health sciences, engineering, management, and social sciences participated in in-depth interviews. Data were collected on their awareness, adoption, and perceived effects of mindful eating on sleep patterns. Thematic coding identified recurring patterns, and descriptive statistics summarized demographic variables and self-reported sleep changes.

Results: Of the participants, 77.1% reported awareness of mindful eating, and 40% actively practiced it in the previous month. Those who engaged in mindful eating reported a reduction in average sleep latency from 32.0 to 21.0 minutes (−34.4%), fewer nighttime awakenings (from 2.3 to 1.4; −39.1%), and an increase in average self-rated sleep quality scores from 5.8 to 7.2 (+24.1%). Reported benefits included deeper sleep, reduced stress before bedtime, and improved digestion. Participants in health-related fields demonstrated higher engagement and greater perceived benefits compared to others.

Conclusion: Mindful eating may be a valuable public health strategy for improving sleep among individuals in high-stress occupations. Incorporating such practices into workplace wellness programs could offer holistic benefits without significant cost. Further research with larger, controlled trials is recommended to establish causality and optimize intervention protocols.

Keywords: Mindful eating, sleep quality, high-stress occupations, public health, non-pharmacological intervention.