Effects of Shoonya Meditation on Sleep and Cognitive Performance
Resilience to Sleep Deprivation and Changes in Sleep Architecture in Shoonya Meditators
This study tests if a short Shoonya meditation can help healthy adults sleep better and think more clearly after a night without enough sleep.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 75 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT05026541 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how a 15-minute Shoonya meditation practice affects sleep architecture and cognitive performance in healthy adults after both a well-rested night and a night of sleep deprivation. Participants will be divided into two groups: one practicing meditation and the other continuing their usual routine. The study will include cognitive tests and polysomnography to assess sleep quality and architecture. The goal is to determine if meditation can mitigate the negative effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive function and heart rate variability.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 18 or older who either practice Shoonya meditation or nap regularly and reside in the United States.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of neurological or psychiatric disorders, or those over 60 years of age, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-pharmacological approach to improve cognitive performance and resilience to sleep deprivation.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive effects of meditation on sleep and cognitive function, suggesting this approach may be promising.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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)
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Balachundhar Subramaniam, MD, MPH — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Balachundhar Subramaniam, MD, MPH
- Email: sadhgurucenter_research@bidmc.harvard.edu
- Phone: 617-667-2721
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.