Quantitation of Glymphatic Functioning in Sleep and Meditative States

Launched by VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · Aug 6, 2020

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring how sleep and meditation affect a system in our brains called the glymphatic system, which helps clear waste and maintain brain health. Researchers are using advanced MRI techniques to study these effects in healthy volunteers who are experienced meditators. The goal is to learn more about how these practices could potentially benefit people with Parkinson's disease and improve their sleep quality.

To participate in the trial, you need to be between 14 and 45 years old and have a good amount of meditation experience. Unfortunately, if you have certain medical implants, feel anxious in small spaces, or have recently had an infection or injury, you may not be eligible. Participants will undergo MRI scans, so they should be comfortable lying still for a while. It's important to avoid stimulants and alcohol before your visit. This study is currently looking for volunteers, and it could be a great opportunity to contribute to important research on brain health and meditation.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Ages 14-45
• • "Adept meditator status"
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Any non-MR compatible material implant, or contraindication to MR scanning
• • Claustrophobia or inability to lie still for prolonged periods of time
• • Participants with a recent (less than 2 months) infection, tattoo, or wound
• • No consumption of stimulants or alcohol within 12 hours of the study visit
• • clinical diagnosis of any major neurological or psychological condition
• • Taking benzodiazepines, cholinestorase inhibitors, anti-psychotics, opioids, MAO inhibitors