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

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is investigating the effects of a mindfulness program on brain activity, depression, and sleep in two groups: hospital staff (who may experience work-related stress and burnout) and older adults from the community. Brain imaging (MRI) is used to understand how mindfulness changes the brain. **You may be eligible if...** - You are a hospital staff member between 20 and 65 years old, OR a community elder between 55 and 90 years old - You are willing to participate in the full mindfulness course and comply with study procedures **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have a history of major neurological disorders (e.g., epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, or stroke) - You have a history of major psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia or bipolar disorder) - You take medications that significantly affect sleep (other than standard sleep aids) - You have metal implants that would be unsafe in an MRI machine - You have claustrophobia - You are pregnant Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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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.