Does Yoga Style Affect Sleep and Heart Health in Adults with and without Insomnia

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized crossover study compares the immediate effects of three evening sessions—vinyasa yoga, gentle yoga, and quiet rest—on sleep and heart health in adults aged 18-40, including individuals with insomnia disorder and good sleepers. Participants will complete 60-minute sessions on three separate evenings with 72-hour washouts, while sleep and heart health are monitored overnight using wearable devices. The goal is to see if different yoga styles influence heart rate variability during sleep and subsequent sleep quality after a single session. The study is conducted at the University of Central Florida with collaboration from the American College of Sports Medicine, led by Caitlin Cheruka.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults 18-40 years
* Insufficiently inactive define by the L-CAT (responses below public health physical activity guidelines)
* Physical activity is not contraindicated (i.e., no affirmative responses on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire for Everyone (PAR-Q+)
* Adults with diagnosed insomnia disorder and score ≥ 10 on the Insomnia Severity Index
* Good sleeps a score \< 10 (no history of sleep disorder)
* Basic understanding of yoga poses
* Access to a smart device (such as a smartphone or tablet)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Regular yoga practice (\> 60 minutes per week)
* Any diagnosed medical condition requiring medical clearance determined 'Yes' response on questions pertaining to a present medical condition(s) via PAR-Q+. This includes, but is not limited to, uncontrolled cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory, musculoskeletal, neurological, or mental health conditions; recent stroke or concussion; active cancer treatment; and any combination of medical conditions that pose a health risk without physician supervision. All "yes" responses on the PAR-Q+ will be evaluated, and individuals requiring clearance will not be eligible to participate.
* Physical limitations and/or mobility restrictions (such as bone, joint, or soft tissue such as muscle, ligament, or tendon that could be made worse by becoming more physically active) via PAR-Q+
* Untreated major psychiatric disorders (e.g. major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia)
* Elevated risk for sleep apnea (i.e., STOP-Bang score ≥ 5)
* Any other sleep disorders other than insomnia (e.g., sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, circadian rhythm disorder, etc.)
* Current treatment for insomnia (e.g., hypnotic medications, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, etc.)
* Current medications that affect heart or blood pressure (i.e., anti-depressants, beta-blockers, etc.)
* Current or planned pregnancy within the next 3 months
* Overnight shift work defined as regularly working anytime between 00:00 and 6:00am

Where it's running

• University of Central Florida
  Orlando, Florida, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Caitlin A. Cheruka, PhD
• Email: caitlin.cheruka@ucf.edu
• Phone: 610-247-5030

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.