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

Abstract

ObjectivesWe aimed to examine trial feasibility plus physiological and psychological effects of a guided meditation practice, Yoga Nidra, in adults with self-reported insomnia. MethodsTwenty-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. ResultsThere 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). ConclusionsThis 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. Trial registration informationThis trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov as “A Closer Look at Yoga Nidra: Sleep Lab Analyses” (NCT#03685227).