Dream Yoga Inspired Intervention for Anxiety

This trial explores a program inspired by Tibetan Dream Yoga to determine if it can be delivered in a modern way to help with anxiety. The study aims to assess whether this program can improve sleep, thinking patterns, and creativity through techniques like meditation and lucid dreaming (being aware of dreaming while still in the dream). Participants will either engage in this Dream Yoga Inspired Intervention or a general sleep and health education program. The trial seeks healthy adults who remember their dreams at least once a month and do not have a regular meditation practice or certain health issues. As an Early Phase 1 trial, this research focuses on understanding how the treatment works in people, offering participants a chance to be among the first to explore its potential benefits.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, it does exclude people with psychological or psychiatric disorders (other than mild anxiety), which might imply that certain medications could be a factor. It's best to discuss your specific situation with the trial organizers.

Research on the safety of the Dream Yoga Inspired Intervention remains in its early stages. This study primarily aims to assess the program's effective delivery and participant acceptance. As an early phase study, the main focus is not yet on safety results. However, early phases typically involve careful monitoring to ensure no major safety issues arise.

The program includes techniques such as guided imagination, meditation, lucid dreaming, and virtual reality. These methods are generally low-risk and non-invasive, not involving surgery or medication. While detailed safety data is not yet available, similar mindfulness and meditation practices have been well-tolerated in other studies. Participants will be closely monitored for any problems or side effects.

Researchers are excited about the Dream Yoga Inspired Intervention for anxiety because it combines ancient Tibetan Dream Yoga practices with modern technology, offering a unique approach to managing anxiety. Unlike typical treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy or medication, this intervention uses wearable devices and virtual reality to promote lucid dreaming and reduce self-grasping. This innovative method aims to enhance participants' ability to influence their dreams, which could lead to new ways of alleviating anxiety symptoms. Through engaging with these immersive experiences, researchers hope to discover if blurring the lines between self and others during these sessions can significantly impact anxiety levels.

Research has shown that people who meditate regularly tend to experience lucid dreaming more often than those who don't. Lucid dreaming involves being aware that you are dreaming while still in the dream. This awareness can help manage anxiety and other mental health issues. Studies have found that lucid dreaming can lower anxiety, boost mood, and help people break free from rigid ways of thinking. In this trial, the Dream Yoga Inspired Intervention uses meditation, guided imagination, and virtual reality to enhance these benefits. Early findings suggest that these practices could support mental well-being and improve sleep. Another arm of this trial, the Sleep Health Enhancement program, focuses on sleep hygiene and health-enhancing practices as an active comparator.³⁵⁶⁷⁸