iRest Yoga-Nidra on the College Campus: Changes in Stress, Depression, Worry, and Mindfulness
Heather Eastman-Mueller, Terry Wilson, Ae-Kyung Jung, Andrea Kimura, Jeff Tarrant
International Journal of Yoga Therapy 2013 DOI: 10.17761/ijyt.23.2.r8735770101m8277 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Pre-post intervention study Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 66 |
| Population | College students aged 18-56 |
| Intervention | iRest yoga-nidra |
| Duration | 8-week intervention |
| Topics | Depression Meditation |
| Key points | The authors report that an 8-week iRest yoga-nidra intervention was associated with statistically significant pre- to posttest reductions in perceived stress, worry, and depression and increases in mindfulness-based skills among 66 college students. Pre-existing depression accounted for most of the change in worry and perceived stress scores. They conclude that iRest yoga-nidra may reduce these symptoms and increase mindfulness-based skills. |
Abstract
Objectives: There is evidence that yoga practice is associated with decreased stress, worry, and depression, and with improved mindfulness-based skills. These findings had not been previously replicated for a sample of college students. This study evaluated whether iRest yoga-nidra practice was associated with reduced perceived stress, worry, and depression, and increased mindfulness in a sample of college student s.
Methods: Sixty-six students age 18-56 completed an 8-week iRest yoga-nidra intervention that was offered for 8 semesters. Assessment occurred 1 week prior to intervention onset and during the class period following the intervention. Qualitative data were collected at Weeks 4 and 8.
Results: Statistically significant pre- to posttest improvements in perceived stress, worry, and depression were found. Pre-existing depression accounted for most of the change in worry and perceived stress scores. Pre- to post test improvements in mindfulness-based skills were also detected.
Conclusions: iRest yoga-nidra practice may reduce symptoms of perceived stress, worry, and depression and increase mindfulness-based skills.
Comparable studies
Other non-randomized and open-label trials on depression, most cited first.
Citations in the library
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- The clinical neuroscience of lucid dreaming. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews January 14, 2025
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