Resilience to Sleep Deprivation and Changes in Sleep Architecture in Shoonya Meditators

Launched by BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER · Aug 24, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how a short 15-minute meditation practice can affect sleep patterns and brain function, especially after a night of good sleep versus a night without enough sleep. Researchers want to see if meditation can help improve how well people think and feel after being sleep-deprived. The study is currently looking for participants, and anyone aged 18 and older who either practices Shoonya meditation or takes regular naps can apply.

To take part, you must be healthy and able to travel to Boston, and you should not have any history of serious neurological or psychiatric conditions, certain medication use, or significant substance abuse. If you join the trial, you can expect to participate in meditation sessions and cognitive tests to see how your sleep and thinking skills are affected. This study could provide valuable insights into the benefits of meditation for sleep and mental performance.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Shoonya meditation program participants/individuals eligible to participate who are healthy adults of age 18 or older, and reside in the United States. Participants must be able and willing to travel to Boston.
• • 2. Nap Group: Healthy adults of age 18 or older that reside in the United States, nap regularly (at least 3 times a week), and do not meditate regularly.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. History of any neurological condition (i.e. Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, brain tumors, brain surgery, or multiple sclerosis)
• • 2. History of any psychiatric disorder, within last 5 years (i.e. anxiety, psychosis, posttraumatic stress disorder, attention deficit hyperactive disorder)
• • 3. Current use of cognition enhancing medications
• • 4. Active history (within the last 5 years) of alcohol or drug abuse (\> 10 drinks per week)
• • 5. History (within the last 5 years) of stroke/aneurysm
• • 6. Recent history (\< 3 months) of seizures
• • 7. 60 years of age or older
• • 8. History of Heart Attack and Ejection Fraction less than or equal to 30%
• • 9. Pregnancy
• • 10. Non-English speaking
• • 11. History/Diagnosis of any sleep disorder
• • 12. Consumption of 3 or more cups of coffee a day
• • 13. Previously learned shoonya meditation (for the meditator groups)