Mindfulness practices to improve sleep in college students

Mindful Awareness Practices vs. Sleep Education: Improving Sleep Quality During the Transition to College

Not applicable Interventional University of California, Los Angeles · NCT05576090

This study tests if mindfulness practices can help first-year college students who have trouble sleeping feel better and improve their sleep quality.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment240 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 22 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, Los Angeles Academic / other
Locations1 site (Los Angeles, California)
Trial IDNCT05576090 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based intervention called Mindful Awareness Practices for Sleep (MAPs) compared to a sleep education control for first-year undergraduate students experiencing sleep disturbances. Conducted at UCLA, the study involves group sessions held weekly for six weeks in residential halls, focusing on improving sleep quality and reducing associated psychosocial issues. Participants will undergo assessments before and after the intervention, as well as at 3, 6, and 12 months post-intervention to measure the long-term effects of the program.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are first or second-year undergraduate students at UCLA, aged 18-20, who live in residential halls and have moderate sleep disturbances.

Not a fit: Patients with current mood or anxiety disorders, certain medical conditions affecting sleep, or prior mindfulness training may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly enhance sleep quality and overall well-being in college students, potentially reducing anxiety and improving academic performance.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for mindfulness interventions in improving sleep quality, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* First or second year undergraduate student at UCLA
* Ages 18-22 years old
* Must live in the residential halls on UCLA campus
* Must have a score of 8 or above on the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), indicating at least sub-threshold levels of sleep disturbance.

Exclusion Criteria

* Current diagnosis of mood or anxiety disorder as determined by the PHQ-8 or by the GAD-7 if score \"15\" or more on either measure
* Presence of medical conditions or use of medications that may influence sleep or inflammation (e.g., autoimmune disorder)
* Previous or current formal instruction in mindfulness meditation (e.g., MAPs, MBSR) or current sleep education program

Where this trial is running

Los Angeles, California

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Sleep DisturbanceInflammationPsychosocial FunctioningSleepAdolescentsMindfulness Meditation
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.