Yoga Medical News Daily

Mindfulness-based yoga intervention improves sleep in pregnant women

This pilot study measured the effects of a mindfulness-based yoga intervention on sleep in pregnant women. Fifteen women in their second or third trimesters attended weekly mindfulness meditation and prenatal Hatha yoga classes for 7 weeks. Results showed that "women who began the intervention in the second trimester had significantly fewer awakenings, less wake time during the night, and less perceived sleep disturbance . . . . Those who began during the third trimester had poorer sleep over time in spite of the intervention . . . ." 

"Mindful yoga shows promise for women in their second trimester of pregnancy to diminish total number of awakenings at night and improve sleep efficiency and merits further exploration. Results from this pilot study provide the data to estimate sample size and design and implement powered and more controlled studies in the future."  Abstract: PubMed PMID: 20338897.  "Effects of mindful yoga on sleep in pregnant women: a pilot study," by Beddoe AE, Lee KA, Weiss SJ, Kennedy HP, Yang CP, Biological Research for Nursing [2010 Apr;11(4):363-70]

Mindfulness Meditation for Persons with Schizophrenia

Study currently recruiting participants. Location: Richard Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis. The focus of the study is to "develop a treatment manual for mindfulness meditation to be taught in a group format to individuals with schizophrenia who are engaged in vocational rehabilitation. This study will determine whether mindfulness meditation is beneficial in terms of reducing distressing emotional states and thinking patterns and improving work function." 

"A total of 66 individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder will be recruited from the Roudebush VA Medical Center in order to ensure a total study sample of 55. In phase one, manual development, 18 participants will be recruited and following informed consent, screened for eligibility using the SCID and anxiety measures. Once enrolled, three successive groups of 5-6 participants will attend an 8-week mindfulness program consisting of two 60-minute group training and practice sessions each week . . . ."  Details, inclusion criteria: ClinicalTrails.gov.