Main Research Findings

Meditation has been suggested to be effective for a variety of health problems, especially mental ones, by numerous studies. For instance, reported that cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral therapy, and mindfulness-based therapy are effective in treating insomnia during menopause. Additionally, suggests that mindfulness-based interventions can help treat insomnia. Furthermore, 3 suggests that yoga and meditation can potentially improve symptoms such as attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity in children with ADHD.

However, meditation is not a cure-all, and some people may experience side effects. The side effects of meditation have been investigated in detail in 2 , but the research is still limited. Additionally, 1 studied the side effects of bright light therapy, but did not directly address the side effects of meditation.

Reasons for Side Effects

The causes of side effects from meditation are not yet fully understood. However, there are a few possibilities. For example, becoming too relaxed during meditation may make the body more sensitive to sensations. Also, past trauma or painful memories may surface during meditation, leading to emotional distress.

Common Side Effects

Headache

Headaches can occur during meditation. This is thought to be because becoming too relaxed during meditation can cause blood vessels in the body to dilate and blood flow to change. Also, concentrating too hard during meditation may tense the muscles around the eyes, leading to headaches. If you experience a headache during meditation, stop meditating and rest your body. Consult a doctor if the headache is severe.

Dizziness

Dizziness can occur during meditation. This is thought to be due to a decrease in blood pressure as you relax during meditation. Also, dizziness may occur during meditation if you lose your posture or breathe shallowly. If you feel dizzy during meditation, stop meditating and rest your body. Consult a doctor if the dizziness is severe.

Nausea

Nausea and vomiting can occur during meditation. This is thought to be due to the digestive system slowing down as you relax during meditation, making you more susceptible to stomach discomfort and nausea. Also, taking deep breaths during meditation can cause air to enter the stomach, leading to nausea. If you experience nausea during meditation, stop meditating and rest your body. Consult a doctor if the nausea is severe.

Anxiety

Anxiety and tension may increase during meditation. This is thought to be due to facing your inner self during meditation and becoming aware of anxieties and tensions that you are not normally conscious of. Also, concentrating too hard during meditation can put mental strain on you, leading to anxiety and tension. If you experience anxiety or tension during meditation, stop meditating and relax at your own pace. Consult a doctor if the anxiety or tension is severe.

Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders can occur during meditation. This is thought to be due to the disruption of your sleep rhythm as you relax too much during meditation. Also, continuing to be mentally aroused during meditation may make it difficult to fall asleep. If you experience sleep disorders during meditation, adjust the time of day you meditate or try to relax before meditation. Consult a doctor if the sleep disorder is severe.

Measures to Counteract Side Effects

Measures to Counteract Headaches

If you experience a headache during meditation, stop meditating and rest your body. Also, consult a doctor if the headache is severe. To prevent headaches, be sure to drink plenty of fluids before meditation. It is also important to maintain good posture during meditation to prevent the muscles around your eyes from tensing up.

Measures to Counteract Dizziness

If you feel dizzy during meditation, stop meditating and rest your body. Also, consult a doctor if the dizziness is severe. To prevent dizziness, be sure to drink plenty of fluids before meditation. Also, be careful not to lose your posture during meditation and try to breathe slowly and deeply.

Measures to Counteract Nausea

If you experience nausea during meditation, stop meditating and rest your body. Also, consult a doctor if the nausea is severe. To prevent nausea, avoid eating before meditation or eat something light. Also, if you are taking deep breaths during meditation, do so slowly and shallowly.

Measures to Counteract Anxiety

If you experience anxiety or tension during meditation, stop meditating and relax at your own pace. Also, consult a doctor if the anxiety or tension is severe. To prevent anxiety and tension, listen to relaxing music or use aromatherapy before meditation. This can be effective.

Measures to Counteract Sleep Disorders

If you experience sleep disorders during meditation, adjust the time of day you meditate or try to relax before meditation. Also, consult a doctor if the sleep disorder is severe. To prevent sleep disorders, take a relaxing bath or stretch before meditation and aim for quality sleep.

Comparison Between Studies

Common Points Among Studies

Many studies have shown that meditation is effective for a variety of health problems. However, some studies have reported side effects of meditation. The common point of these studies is that meditation is considered a safe method, but there is a possibility of experiencing side effects. Therefore, it is important to understand your physical and mental condition well before starting meditation.

Differences Among Studies

Research on the side effects of meditation is still not sufficiently advanced. Therefore, the types and frequencies of side effects reported vary from study to study. Also, because research methods and participants differ, it is difficult to directly compare research results. Further research on the side effects of meditation is needed.

Cautions for Application in Daily Life

Meditation has been shown to be effective for a variety of health problems. However, meditation is not a cure-all, and there is a possibility of side effects. It is important to understand your physical and mental condition well before starting meditation. Also, if you feel unwell during meditation, stop meditating immediately and consult a doctor.

Limitations of Current Research

Research on the side effects of meditation is still not sufficiently advanced. Therefore, information about the side effects of meditation is still limited. Also, the side effects of meditation vary from person to person, and it is difficult to understand all the side effects. Furthermore, it is still unclear how serious the side effects of meditation are or how long they last. Further research on the side effects of meditation is needed.

Future Research Directions

Research on the side effects of meditation needs to be further advanced in the future. In particular, it is necessary to investigate the types, frequencies, causes, and countermeasures of side effects in detail. It is also necessary to clarify how serious the side effects of meditation are and how long they last. As research on the side effects of meditation progresses, it will be possible to utilize meditation more safely and effectively.

Conclusion

Meditation has been shown to be effective for a variety of health problems. However, meditation is not a cure-all, and there is a possibility of side effects. It is important to understand your physical and mental condition well before starting meditation. Also, if you feel unwell during meditation, stop meditating immediately and consult a doctor. Further research on the side effects of meditation is needed.