RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07179172

Neurobiological Investigations of Mindfulness, Depression and Sleep Disturbances in Medical Staffs and Community Elders

Sponsor

Taipei Medical University Shuang Ho Hospital

Enrollment

40 participants

Start Date

Jun 14, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Depression Sleep Disturbances

Summary

The research team proposes a multi-year study with the first year focusing on the developmental phase. In this initial phase, we aim to recruit 40 participants (including healthcare staff and older adults) from Shuang-Ho Hospital and the surrounding community to undergo two mindfulness intervention sessions, each lasting four months. We anticipate that these interventions will prevent and alleviate stress and depressive symptoms while enhancing self-awareness and psychological health.

Eligibility

Min Age: 20 YearsMax Age: 90 Years

Inclusion Criteria2

Hospital staff aged 20-65 years, or elderly individuals aged 55-90 years.
Individuals willing to participate in the entire mindfulness course and comply with study enrollment procedures.-

Exclusion Criteria7

History of major neurological disorders (e.g., epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, stroke).
History of major psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder).
Use of medications that may affect sleep, other than illegal substances or sleeping pills.
Individuals with metal implants.
Individuals with claustrophobia.
Pregnant women.
History of alcohol or substance addiction.

Interventions

BEHAVIORALMindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) 8-Week Program

The program consists of weekly 2.5-hour sessions over an eight-week period. The certified mindfulness instructor will follow a curriculum that includes in-class formal practice (2.5 hours) and assigned informal practice (30-40 minutes daily). During the sessions, the instructor will guide participants through mindfulness meditation, pain awareness, mindful yoga, gratitude practice, loving-kindness meditation, and the sharing of daily life experiences. Additionally, a full-day, eight-hour silent retreat (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) will be held between weeks six and seven to deepen inner awareness. Following each weekly group session, participants will be instructed to perform and self-record daily home practice, which will be discussed and evaluated during the following week's class. The total course duration is approximately 26 hours, and participants will receive a certificate of completion upon graduation.