Neurodegenerative

A closer look at yoga nidra- early randomized sleep lab investigations.

Journal of psychosomatic researchMarch 29, 2023

View on PubMed DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2023.111169

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This preliminary study examined Yoga Nidra, a guided meditation practice closely related to Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR), in 22 adults with self-reported insomnia. Researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial where participants attended two visits - first lying quietly for 90 minutes, then half practiced Yoga Nidra for 30 minutes while the other half served as controls. The study measured brain activity via EEG, heart rate variability, respiratory rate, and self-reported mood and anxiety. While the intervention showed no significant changes in alpha brain wave power, heart rate variability, or sleep onset latency, it did produce a statistically significant reduction in breathing rate both during and after the practice. Participants in the Yoga Nidra group experienced decreases of 1.4 and 2.1 breaths per minute during and after the session respectively, while controls showed slight increases. The intervention demonstrated good acceptability and credibility among participants, with only a 5% dropout rate. The researchers emphasize this is preliminary evidence requiring confirmation in larger, more definitive studies.

Key Findings

Yoga Nidra significantly reduced respiratory rate by 1.4 breaths per minute during practice and 2.1 breaths per minute afterwards, compared to slight increases in the control group
The intervention showed good acceptability and credibility among participants with self-reported insomnia, with only a 5% dropout rate
No significant changes were observed in alpha EEG power, heart rate variability, or sleep onset latency compared to controls
The study successfully demonstrated feasibility of Yoga Nidra as an intervention for adults with insomnia in a controlled laboratory setting

Abstract

We aimed to examine trial feasibility plus physiological and psychological effects of a guided meditation practice, Yoga Nidra, in adults with self-reported insomnia. Twenty-two adults with self-reported insomnia were recruited to attend two visits at our research center. At Visit 1 (V1), participants were asked to lie quietly for ninety minutes. The primary outcome was change in electroencephalography (EEG). Heart rate variability (HRV), respiratory rate and self-reported mood and anxiety were also measured. At Visit 2 (V2), the same protocol was followed, except half of participants were randomized to practice Yoga Nidra for the first 30-min. There were no between-group changes (V1-V2) in alpha EEG power at O1 (Intervention: 13 ± 70%; Control: -20 ± 40%), HRV or sleep onset latency in response to Yoga Nidra. Respiratory rate, however, showed statistically significant difference between groups (Yoga Nidra -1.4 breaths per minute (bpm) change during and - 2.1 bpm afterwards vs. Control +0.2 bpm during and + 0.4 bpm after; p = .03 for both during and after). The intervention displayed good acceptability (well-tolerated) and credibility (perceived benefit ratings) with implementation success (target sample size reached; 5% dropout rate). This preliminary clinical trial provides early evidence that Yoga Nidra is a well-tolerated, feasible intervention for adults reporting insomnia. Decreased respiratory rate in response to Yoga Nidra needs to be confirmed in more definitive studies. This trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov as "A Closer Look at Yoga Nidra: Sleep Lab Analyses" (NCT#03685227).

Authors

Erica Sharpe, Matthew P Butler, Jesse Clark-Stone, Ramin Soltanzadeh, Ripu Jindal, Douglas Hanes, Ryan Bradley

Related Protocol

Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR)

Study Details

Health Domain: Neurodegenerative
Journal: Journal of psychosomatic research
Published: March 29, 2023
Authors: 7
Key Findings: 4

Neurodegenerative
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Morning Sunlight Exposure PubMed DOI

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