0232 A mindfulness intervention to improve sleep in a diverse sample: results from a pilot feasibility study

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Emerging data suggests that stress is a contributor to sleep health disparities. Mindfulness techniques are effective at reducing stress, yet limited studies have examined its effect on sleep among a diverse sample. We examined stress, sleep, and cardiovascular risk factors before and after participation in a pilot 30-day mindfulness intervention study. Methods Among a sample of Asian, Black, Hispanic, and White young adults (n=18), participants underwent 35-days of wrist actigraphy, completed questionnaires on stress (Perceived Stress Scale) and sleep patterns (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) and provided blood pressure and weight measurements at baseline, midpoint, and endpoint. Following approximately 5-days of actigraphy, participants received 1-hour of sleep hygiene education and started a 30-day mindfulness meditation via a mobile application (Headspace™). We calculated means and standard deviations (SD) or frequencies for stress levels, sleep quality, and sleep duration, body mass index, and blood pressure before and after the intervention. Results Participants on average were 30 years of age (SD=10.2), 88.9% female, and identified as Asian (11.1%), Black/African American (44.4%), Hispanic (22.2%-not mutually exclusive), and White (33.3%). Most participants had a bachelor’s degree or higher (88.9%). After completing the intervention, participants decreased in stress levels [15.7 (SD=7.7) vs. 13.4 (SD=7.5)] and poor sleep quality [8.3 (SD=2.1) vs 5 (SD=2.2)]. The distribution of short sleepers decreased, 27.8% to 11%. There were no changes in actigraphy-measured sleep duration. The prevalence of obesity and elevated blood pressure decreased from 53% to 47% and 16.7% to 11.1%, respectively. Conclusion We found it feasible to conduct a 30-day app-based intervention among a predominately racial/ethnic minority population. There were modest decreases in stress, short sleep, obesity, and hypertension after the completion of the intervention. Our results suggest stress reduction may be an avenue to improve sleep and cardiovascular health among racial minorities. These results should be replicated in a larger sample to confirm. Support (if any) National Institutes of Health, National Institute for Heart Lung and Blood 1R01HL157954 and K01HL138211; Georgia Center for Diabetes Translation Research (GCDTR) Pilot & Feasibility Pilot Award Program