Active — Not RecruitingNot Applicable

Does Style Matter: Comparison of Moderate- to Low-intensity Styles of Yoga

United States42 participantsStarted 2026-06-01

Plain-language summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if yoga works to improve sleep and heart health in adults with and without insomnia disorder. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does the style of yoga impact participants heart health overnight? * Does the style of yoga improve participants sleep following a single session? Researchers will compare adults with insomnia disorder to adults with healthy sleep . Participants will: * Complete a moderate-intensity yoga practice, a low-intensity intensity yoga practice, and a quiet rest period while watching a nature documentary in the evening on three separate evenings * Participants will have their sleep and heart health measured using a watch and heart rate monitor overnight following each visit

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 40 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults 18-40 years * Insufficiently inactive define by the L-CAT (responses below public health physical activity guidelines) * Physical activity is not contraindicated (i.e., no affirmative responses on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire for Everyone (PAR-Q+) * Adults with diagnosed insomnia disorder and score ≥ 10 on the Insomnia Severity Index * Good sleeps a score \< 10 (no history of sleep disorder) * Basic understanding of yoga poses * Access to a smart device (such as a smartphone or tablet) Exclusion Criteria: * Regular yoga practice (\> 60 minutes per week) * Any diagnosed medical condition requiring medical clearance determined 'Yes' response on questions pertaining to a present medical condition(s) via PAR-Q+. This includes, but is not limited to, uncontrolled cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory, musculoskeletal, neurological, or mental health conditions; recent stroke or concussion; active cancer treatment; and any combination of medical conditions that pose a health risk without physician supervision. All "yes" responses on the PAR-Q+ will be evaluated, and individuals requiring clearance will not be eligible to participate. * Physical limitations and/or mobility restrictions (such as bone, joint, or soft tissue such as muscle, ligament, or tendon that could be made worse by becoming more physically active) via PAR-Q+ * Untreated major psychiatric disorders (e.g. major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia) * Elevated …

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1This trial is comparing different intensities of yoga — moderate versus low intensity — to see how they affect heart rate variability during sleep, so could yoga realistically be a helpful addition to whatever treatment approach you're recommending for my insomnia?
2Since this study is measuring a specific heart metric called RMSSD during sleep, what does heart rate variability actually tell us about sleep quality or insomnia, and is that something worth tracking in my own care?
3The trial is listed as 'active not recruiting,' meaning I likely can't join it — but are there similar yoga or mind-body studies I might still be eligible for, or is there evidence from completed research that could already inform my treatment?
4Given that this is a Phase NA study focused on healthy adults with insomnia, how does my specific health situation compare to that target group, and would a yoga-based approach even be appropriate for someone with my profile?
5If yoga intensity genuinely affects heart health markers and sleep, would it be worth me trying a structured yoga program now as part of my care plan, and if so, what intensity level would you recommend starting with?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change in nocturnal root mean square of successive difference between normal heartbeats (RMSSD) heart rate variability (HRV)

Timeframe: Overnight immediately after each experimental sessions (vinyasa yoga, gentle yoga, non-active control) for a total of 3 separate nights.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07638267

SponsorCaitlin Cheruka

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-09

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