The Yoga and Insomnia Study

The purpose of our study is to examine the effects of a 4-week vinyasa yoga program on sleep-related and cardiovascular outcomes in adults with insomnia symptoms. This study will examine the following aims:To examine the effects of a 4-week vinyasa yoga program compared to a non-active control condition on subjective and objective sleep-related outcomes in adults who report insomnia symptoms.To examine the effects of a 4-week vinyasa yoga program compared to a non-active control on cardiovascular health.To examine the effects of a single session of vinyasa yoga compared to a non-active control condition on sleep- and cardiovascular-related outcomes collected overnight.Researchers will compare the yoga group and the non-active control group to see if there are any improvements in sleep and cardiovascular health.

Inclusion Criteria:Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) score ≥ 10Age 18-55 yearsInsufficiently active defined by the Stanford Leisure-Time Activity Categorical Item responses below public health physical activity guidelinesExclusion Criteria:Self-reported regular vinyasa and/or power yoga practice defined as ≥ 60 minutes/week within the past 3 monthsDiagnosed medical condition requiring medical clearance defined as a 'yes' response on follow-up questions pertaining to a present medical condition(s) via Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire for Everyone (PAR-Q+)Physical limitations and/or mobility restriction that would interfere with the ability to perform yoga defined as a 'yes' response on the PAR-Q+; self-reported lack of treatment for a major psychiatric disorder via medical history surveyHigh risk for obstructive sleep apnea defined as score ≥ 5 via STOP-Bang scoreSelf-reported current pregnancy or planning to become pregnant within the next 3 monthsOvernight shift work defined as regularly working any time between 00:00 and 06:00 amSelf-reported current treatment for insomnia via medical history surveyMedications that may affect heart rate during exercise via self-report on the medical history survey