Stress Reduction Training to Improve Sleep Quality, Stress Physiology & Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Risk Markers

This study will be conducted among 200 men and women participating in 8-week
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) classes at Duke Integrative Medicine in Durham,
North Carolina. The central hypothesis of this NIH-funded clinical trial (R00 AT004945, PI:
Greeson) is that mindfulness meditation training is associated with increased levels of
mindfulness and improved cognitive-emotional functioning that, together, are associated with
reduced psychological distress, improved sleep quality, and less exaggerated physiological
responses to emotional stress, including blood pressure and inflammation. This study is
designed to examine psychological and biological mechanisms that may explain individual
differences in MBSR outcomes. This knowledge is important because it will help us better
understand who is most likely to benefit from mindfulness meditation training, and why. The
results from this study are expected to elucidate mechanisms underlying the mental and
physical health benefits of stress reduction, which can help guide clinicians in referring
the most suitable patients to local MBSR programs.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Willing to participate in an 8 week stress reduction training program

2. Between 18 and 65 years old

3. Generally in good health and not taking medication

4. Able to speak and read English

5. Willing to provide informed consent

6. Able to access the internet

7. Able to attend 4 study visits at Duke University Medical Center

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Younger than 18 years old/Older than 65

2. Asthma

3. Allergies

4. Arthritis

5. Autoimmune disease (Lupus)

6. Cancer

7. Cardiovascular disease, heart attack, or atherosclerosis

8. Diabetes or High Blood Sugar (>124 mg/dl)

9. Hypertension or high blood pressure (140/90 mmHg)

10. High cholesterol (>240 mg/dl)

11. Obesity (Body Mass Index >30)

12. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

13. Mitral Valve Prolapse, or Heart Murmurs

14. Irregular Menstrual Cycles (Peri-Menopause Excluded. Menopause may be included.)

15. Skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis (acne may be included)

16. Sleep Apnea

17. Depression, anxiety, substance use, or any other mental health diagnosis

18. Sleep aids like Tylenol PM or Ambien on a regular basis

19. Medication for allergies or asthma on a regular basis

20. Aspirin or baby Aspirin on a regular basis

21. Oral contraceptives or birth control (women only)

22. Hormone Replacement Therapy

23. Flu shot within past 3 weeks

24. Underweight (BMI < 18.5)

25. Current smoker

26. >1 alcoholic drink/day (women)/ >2 alcoholic drinks/day (men)

27. Hospitalized within the last 3 months

28. Treated for any infections within the last 3 months

29. Current meditation practice >1x/month

30. Previously taken a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course

31. Participation in any other research studies in the past year that involved drugs or
taking blood

32. Recently donated blood. (500 cc's in last 8 wks)