Studies of TM for stress, anxiety and low mood are mixed and mostly low quality. Reviews disagree on whether it helps.
What a session is
Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a form of mantra meditation: you sit quietly and silently repeat a sound to let the mind settle.
What the research says
- Stress: One US trial in students found less distress after TM. Reviews of mantra meditation disagree, and most studies are low quality. Limited evidence · NCCIH, 2022 · JAMA Internal Medicine, 2014
- Worry and anxiety: Some studies found less anxiety after TM, but a US review found no clear benefit. Studies are mostly small or low quality. Limited evidence · JAMA Internal Medicine, 2014 · NCCIH, 2022
- Low mood: A few studies found less low mood after TM, but results are mixed and low quality. If low mood lasts, see a doctor. Limited evidence · JAMA Internal Medicine, 2014 · NCCIH, 2022
- Sleep, pain, menopause and grief: No good studies of TM for these in the sources we use. No good evidence yet
More on each need: Handle stress better · Feel calmer · Lift your mood · Sleep better · A relaxed body · Menopause wellbeing · Grief and loss
Is it safe?
Meditation is usually low risk, but about 8 in 100 people in studies felt worse, most often more anxious or low. If you have a mental health condition, talk to your doctor first. Use it alongside medical care, not instead of it. NCCIH, 2022 · NCCIH, 2017
Sessions on Sissoo complement medical care and never replace it. Please don’t stop or change any treatment without talking to your doctor. If you feel very low or think about ending your life, call your local emergency number now.
Checked 17 October 2026. Next check by April 2027. How we rate the evidence.
Frequently asked questions
Does Transcendental Meditation help with stress?
There is limited evidence: studies of Transcendental Meditation for stress are mixed and mostly low quality. One US trial in students found less distress, but reviews disagree. Use it alongside medical care, not instead of it.
Can Transcendental Meditation help with anxiety or low mood?
The evidence is limited: some studies found less anxiety or low mood, but results are mixed and mostly low quality. A US review found no clear benefit for anxiety, and if low mood lasts, see a doctor. If you feel very low or think about ending your life, call your local emergency number now.
What happens in a Transcendental Meditation session?
Transcendental Meditation is a form of mantra meditation: you sit quietly and silently repeat a sound to let the mind settle.
Is Transcendental Meditation safe?
Meditation is usually low risk, but about 8 in 100 people in studies felt worse, most often more anxious or low. If you have a mental health condition, talk to your doctor first. Please don’t stop or change any treatment without talking to your doctor.
Does Transcendental Meditation help with sleep or pain?
There is no good evidence yet: the sources we use have no good studies of TM for sleep, pain, menopause or grief. Sessions on Sissoo complement medical care and never replace it.
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