Willoughby Britton, a former doctoral student in clinical psychology at the University of Arizona, once believed that meditation could help improve sleep. In 2004, she conducted a study where one group attended meditation classes for eight weeks, while a control group did not. Using sensors, researchers measured brain waves, muscle activity, and eye movements during sleep. The results surprised Britton—instead of finding better sleep, the meditation group experienced more restlessness and awakenings during the night. This unexpected outcome made her question the common belief that meditation is universally beneficial for everyone. Britton’s research revealed that meditation, often promoted as a remedy for anxiety, chronic pain, alcoholism, and addictions, can have serious and lasting side effects for some individuals. These effects may include depression, anxiety, or even psychosis. However, many studies still show that meditation can be beneficial for others, helping to reduce anxiety and depression, improve concentration, activate brain regions related to attention and memory, alleviate lower back pain, lower blood pressure, and increase self-awareness. In 2017, Britton published a study involving 60 meditators and 32 meditation teachers. She found that 82% of the participants reported experiencing adverse effects, such as fear, anxiety, panic, or paranoia. Less frequently, some reported more severe symptoms like delirium, hallucinations, pain, anger episodes, and even suicidal thoughts. However, the study had limitations—it could not confirm a direct cause-and-effect relationship between meditation and these negative experiences. Britton emphasizes the importance of practicing meditation safely. She suggests that meditating for more than thirty minutes a day might increase the risk of side effects, and some meditation techniques may not be appropriate for everyone. She advises those with serious psychiatric conditions to practice under the guidance of a mental health professional who is also experienced in meditation. Richard Davidson, a professor of psychiatry and psychology at the University of Wisconsin, adds that feeling unwell after meditation may not always be due to poor technique or lack of practice. It could also indicate that meditation is not the right practice for someone at that particular time in their life.