Yoga Nidra for insomnia and PTSD symptoms
Yoga Nidra Meditation for Insomnia and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms: A Randomized-Controlled Feasibility Study
This study is testing if two different amounts of a guided meditation called yoga nidra can help people with insomnia and PTSD feel better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University College, London Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (London) |
| Trial ID | NCT06888336 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the feasibility of two variations of a virtual Integrative Restoration (iRest) yoga nidra meditation intervention for individuals exposed to trauma or stress, focusing on those with insomnia and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a high-dose or low-dose yoga nidra group or a waitlist control group. The intervention involves listening to guided meditation recordings over an 8-week period, with assessments of sleep and PTSD symptoms conducted before and after the intervention. Feasibility measures will include participant retention, adherence to the protocol, and acceptability of the intervention through surveys and interviews.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18 to 35 who have experienced significant trauma and exhibit moderate to severe insomnia and PTSD symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of schizophrenia, psychotic disorders, or bipolar disorder may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide a non-pharmacological treatment option for individuals suffering from insomnia and PTSD symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with yoga and meditation interventions for PTSD and insomnia, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Endorses experiencing at least one lifetime very stressful or traumatic event that still distresses them * Score of 13 or higher on the 8-item PCL-5 * Scoring 15 or higher on the Insomnia Severity Index, indicating the presence of moderate to severe insomnia * Being able and willing to listen to online yoga nidra audio recordings that may each be up to 35 minutes long daily for 8 weeks * Being willing to monitor sleep and PTSD symptoms for 10 weeks * Normal or corrected to normal hearing and vision * Fluent in English * Reliable daily access to the internet Between the ages of 18 and 35 * Between the ages of 18 and 35 * Reliable daily access to the internet * Willing to refrain from ingesting caffeine, alcohol, and recreational drugs the day of the sleep studies * Currently receiving or seeking treatment for alcoholism or a substance abuse disorder Exclusion Criteria: * History of schizophrenia, psychotic disorder, or bipolar disorder * Current endorsement of suicidality (score of 2 or higher on Item 9 of the BDI-II) * Currently receiving psychological treatment for any mental health disorder * Current diagnosis of any sleep disorder, excluding insomnia or nightmare disorder * Currently taking benzodiazepines, nonbenzodiazepine receptor agonists, orexin agonists or antagonists, antiseizure medication, any medications for sleep * Score of 5 or higher on STOP-BANG Questionnaire (indicating likelihood of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea) * Previous adverse experience with meditation * Current regular meditative practice (meditating once or more per month)
Where this trial is running
London
- University College London — London, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sunjeev Kamboj, PhD — University College, London
- Study coordinator: Emily Mantaro
- Email: emily.mantaro.23@ucl.ac.uk
- Phone: +44 203-108-7007
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.