Case Study: United States Air Force achieves 28% stress reduction and improved emotional well-being with Headspace

Headspace partners with the US Air Force to improve the psychological wellbeing of its members

A 1,500-person special forces unit of the United States Air Force sought an innovative way to support service members’ mental health—against a backdrop where nearly 1 in 4 active duty personnel show signs of a mental health condition—and provided access to mindfulness training via Headspace to help members better manage the stresses of military service.

Headspace and the United States Air Force collaborated on a randomized study of 196 active duty service members (Headspace intervention vs. waitlist) with baseline and 30-day follow-up assessments. Service members using Headspace showed measurable gains versus the control group: a 28% reduction in perceived stress, a 15% improvement in emotional well‑being, about 16 more minutes of sleep per night, improved focus and energy, and less stress-related impact on social interactions.

United States Air Force